The number of serious house fires has noticeably increased in recent years. Why? Because we live differently than we did, say, 20 years ago. Our current homes are full of electronic devices that are constantly being charged. Moreover, we all too often forget to adjust our insurance policies. For instance, we note that as many as one in five homes is underinsured. Our advice: check whether your current policy still provides sufficient cover. Adjusting the policy where necessary is an absolute must, but you can also easily avoid damage adapting your daily habits.
1. Install sufficient smoke detectors
Since January 2020, it has been mandatory to hang smoke detectors in every rental and private home. It protects you and provides peace of mind in case something goes wrong. It is not for nothing that smoke detectors are invariably included in the sales agreement and/or notarial deed.
2. Do not use overloaded distribution plugs
It is familiar to us all. You plug in an appliance and soon notice that the one plug is not enough to power all the appliances in your living room, kitchen or bedroom. The distribution plug is a handy and rewarding solution for this. But don't forget to unplug that power plug when you no longer need those appliances. Or even better: avoid them as much as possible so as not to overload the grid.
3. Keep your appliances dust-free
We all sometimes forget to dust off electronic devices when cleaning. However, when dust comes in contact with electricity, that too can cause a fire. So cleaning well is the message, and be sure to go over all appliances with a dust rag.
4. Avoid charging devices overnight
Many of us are in the habit of charging our smartphones at night, but this can lead to overheating and fires. Therefore, charge your devices only during the day. As soon as a device is charged, unplug it. In addition, make sure your electronics are always in sight when charging. Batteries of electric bikes are all too often charged in the garage, but this too poses risks.
5. Take pictures regularly
If you do get hit by damage in or to your home, make sure that the assessment that follows can proceed smoothly. Take regular photos of your most valuable possessions, inside or outside. Overview images of a garden, a room, etc. are always useful. The more evidence there is of the condition before the damage, the easier your case can be handled. Therefore, keep purchase receipts as much as you can as well. Keep these photos and documents in a place that itself is not susceptible to damage. In a secure, digital Cloud environment, for example.
