According to data from insurer Interpolis, 76% of residents now have a smoke detector at home. However, that is still far from sufficient, because a quarter do not yet have that. This is also reflected in the number of fire reports. Every year, Interpolis alone receives between 2000 and 3000 reports of damage caused by a fire in the house. Damage that could have been prevented if the fire had been discovered earlier.
Of course, it is much worse than material damage when personal suffering takes place. Last year 31 people died in a house fire, which is about the annual average. Sjak van Nieuwkuijk, risk and prevention expert at Interpolis, expects that the increased number of rechargeable devices will only increase the risk of a fire. For example, consider electric bicycles and scooters. He believes that continuing to provide prevention tips helps to prevent fire damage. In addition, smoke detectors help extend flight time, which can save a lot of suffering†
This opinion is confirmed by a risk analysis drawn up last year. This showed that the number of fatalities can be reduced to 18 if there is a smoke detector on every floor in all homes.
Paste and ready
Most people who do not yet have a smoke detector are well aware of the risks that this entails. A common excuse for not installing a smoke detector is that it would be a ‘hassle’.
However, that excuse can definitely go in the trash. Smoke detectors can be mounted very simply with special magnetic stickers. These stickers are for sale online and at hardware stores. You stick a sticker on the ceiling, one on your smoke detector, click on each other and it’s a lot safer at home.
It is no coincidence that smoke detectors are mandatory as of today. For almost 20 years now, it has been mandatory in new-build houses to install smoke detectors during construction. But now it is required by law for all homes to secure them with a smoke detector. Incidentally, Interpolis has announced that it will still pay out in the event of damage, if there is no working smoke detector in the house.
Save a lot of trouble with little effort
But getting compensation for the damage is of course little consolation when you consider how much misery you experience in a fire. Even if there are no injuries (or worse), there is a good chance that personal memories will go up in smoke for good. A fire is a traumatic experience. A drama that unfortunately cannot be prevented at all times, but of which you can certainly reduce the chance of it considerably. Preventing fire is of course vital, but early detection of fire is also crucial. And that role is reserved for smoke detectors.
It is expected that the sale of smoke detectors will take a huge flight these days. So be there in time. You can see how you can pay on the insurer’s website smoke detectors with a discount can purchase and read more about fire safety at home†