July 1, 2015
Many Queenslanders are placing their homes at unnecessary risk of fires by leaving electrical appliances turned on while unattended, according to RACQ Insurance.
The insurer’s 2015 Home Fire Safety Index revealed more than half of all householders left their computers on while away from the home (68.3 per cent), followed by printers and routers (65.7 per cent) and washing machines (61.7 per cent).
RACQ spokesman Mike Sopinski said people often weren’t aware of the potential danger.
“There is awareness about the risks of leaving heaters on but often householders leave other appliances running all day while they’re out, creating potentially dangerous fire hazards,” Mr Sopinski said.
“Many Queenslanders don’t realise, or are ignoring, the risks of unattended electrical appliances which is a potentially deadly mistake.
“Our research shows nearly 14 per cent (13.8 per cent) of home fires in Queensland last year were caused by electrical equipment.”
RACQ also found only 5 per cent of Queensland households had a written fire escape plan and almost one-third of Queenslanders (31.7 per cent) did not know how to operate a fire extinguisher.
Household appliances most commonly left on while away from the home:
1. Computer 68.3 per cent
2. Computer hardware – printer, router 65.7 per cent
3. Washing machine 61.7 per cent
4. Mobile phone charger 60.8 per cent
5. TV 48.8 per cent
6. Slow cooker/ crockpot 44 per cent
7. Fan 43.7 per cent
8. Dishwasher 40.1 per cent
9. Set top box 39.8 per cent
10. CD/DVD/ Blu-ray 36 per cent
