Neglected Candles and Broken Lights: Don't Ignore Fire During Christmas!
According to the Estonian Insurance Association's statistics, approximately 600 fires are registered in insured buildings each year, with about half of them occurring in apartment buildings. As the holidays approach, when homes are decorated with Christmas lights and more candles are lit, the risk increases that negligence could result in serious damage.
Data from the Rescue Board shows that electrical faults, careless use of heating equipment, and smoking indoors are the most common causes of household fires. An open flame is also a common cause, and in about a third of these cases, the fire originated from a lit candle.
Sandra Dõba, head of Swedbank's home insurance department, said that while fires are not the most common type of loss, they are usually very expensive and extensive disasters. "Fire damage amounts are large primarily because the building is not destroyed by the fire itself alone, but extinguishing water causes significant additional damage," she explained. "In addition to residential spaces, fire destroys personal items and furniture, which further increases the damage amount."
Dõba pointed out that in one case last year, the insurance payout resulting from fire damage reached 370,000 euros. "The fire completely destroyed a single-family house along with its furnishings and personal items, leaving the owners without both their home and a large portion of their property," she described. "Because the fire was so devastating, the client had to find temporary housing."
Dõba noted that during the first 11 months of this year, Swedbank's insurance has paid out 87 fire-related cases, totaling 558,000 euros.
Prevention begins with routine checks
According to the insurance expert, fire prevention starts with simple things that anyone can check in their own home. "First, you need to make sure your smoke detector is working properly and in the right location. It is the smallest, but most important tool that gives early warning of a fire," said Dõba. "Additionally, it's worth regularly reviewing your heating systems and if you have a fireplace, calling a chimney sweep who can help identify potential risks."
It's also a good idea to periodically check your home's electrical system and household appliances, especially older equipment whose wires may be worn or damaged. "Overloaded extension cords, damaged cables, and neglected heating equipment are very typical sources of fires. The same applies to seasonal candles – candles meant for indoor use should not be used outdoors, as they may not be moisture-resistant," explained Dõba.
In addition to regularly checking your home's electrical and heating systems, it's worth getting home insurance and reviewing its coverage. Since fire damage can amount to hundreds of thousands of euros, this helps you cope better financially in case of an unexpected disaster. "Insurance doesn't prevent accidents, but it helps people manage in difficult situations and restore their homes," she said.
Dõba urges people to carefully consider how much their home and property are actually protected when taking out insurance, because if the insurance amount is too low, the payout may not cover all the damage. "From time to time, insurance amounts should be reviewed, because prices change, homes acquire new items, and insurance coverage should keep up with that," she explained.
It's also important to read what additional benefits the insurance offers. One such benefit is, for example, the cost of renting temporary accommodation, which has very different limits depending on the insurer. There are also different options for psychological assistance, which, for example, Swedbank's home insurance offers in the event of fire damage worth 500 euros per case.
As a final reminder, experts recommend that homeowners consider liability insurance, especially those living in apartment buildings. "If a fire damages neighbors' property, damage claims can be significant. Adequate liability insurance helps here," concluded Dõba.
