The Dutch Association of Insurers warns about this. “Please use original, often supplied accessories. This reduces the risk of accidents, including fire and injury,” says general manager Richard Weurding.
How dangerous is charging batteries overnight? ‘Do not take the battery inside’
“The number of fires caused by batteries is still very high,” agrees Carolien Angevaren of the Netherlands Fire Department. She recommends that you only charge bicycles and scooters, but also telephones, tablets and laptops when you are at home and in a room with a smoke detector.
“And with the original charger. This way you reduce the risk of fire. And if something does go wrong, you will be warned in time,” Angangeren explains.
“In that case, leave immediately, make sure you stay out of the smoke and call 112,” adds Rob Baardse of the Dutch Burn Foundation. According to him, preventing fires caused by batteries is of vital importance.
House fires
Batteries that catch fire now cause almost 5 percent of home fires, according to figures from the Salvage Foundation. In 2023 that was still 3 percent.
Weurding of the Dutch Association of Insurers therefore believes it is important that everyone becomes aware of these risks. “This can prevent a lot of physical and emotional suffering and collateral damage.”
Injury
However, across the board, insurers have seen the number of home fire claims fall from 52,000 in 2023 to almost 47,000 last year. This continues the downward trend that has been visible since 2018. However, the damage from fires to houses still amounted to 220 million euros in 2024.
Substantial premium increase for homeowners with a thatched roof: ‘Claim costs have increased’
“We are pleased that the number of fire claims is decreasing, but prevention and awareness remain important,” says Weurding of the Dutch Association of Insurers. “Human action is the cause in almost half of the cases. An accident can therefore happen in a small corner and can have major consequences. Two-thirds of accidents with serious burns happen in and around the home.”