Help to sweep away fire fears
HOMEOWNERS are being urged to keep their chimneys in check to prevent the devastating impact of a house fire and safeguard their home, belongings and families.
As the pandemic means many people are spending more time at home, specialist insurer of rural, thatched and listed homes NFU Mutual is concerned the additional heating needed could put people in danger of harm from serious house fires occurring during the cold winter months. In 2019, NFU Mutual received £8.4 million worth of damage claims for house fires which began in the fireplace. The number of fires typically increases throughout the winter.
Further compounding the issue, members of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps have reported that bookings for chimney sweeping appointments have dropped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Phil Cooper, at NFU Mutual, said: “To reduce the risk of a fire if you have a multi-fuel stove, wood burner or open fire – if it is safe for you to do so – we would urge you to ensure the chimneys and flues are kept clean, well maintained and swept on a regular basis by a professional chimney sweep.”