Summer heat and fire risks – are your Personal Lines customers prepared?

It looks like a heatwave is on the way. The suncream and sunglasses are at the ready, but are our homes also protected? Now’s a good time to be speaking to your Personal Lines customers about how extreme heat can affect their homes and gardens.

Periods of hot, dry weather can increase the likelihood of fires. As temperatures rise and rainfall is low, outdoor areas can become more vulnerable - particularly where people are spending more time gardening, hosting barbecues or using fire pits.
 

Common fire claim scenarios include:

• Fires beginning in neighbouring gardens and spreading across fences and sheds
• Bonfires getting out of control, damaging decking, fencing and outbuildings
• Barbecue embers igniting garden structures or stored items
• Ash from fire pits reigniting after being disposed of too soon
• Electrical damage caused by lightning strikes leading to internal fires

These incidents show that even small sparks or overlooked risks can quickly cause significant damage.
 

Helping your customers reduce fire risks

To support your Personal Lines customers during the warmer months, here are some practical fire safety tips you can share:

Take care with bonfires and fire pits

Encourage customers to avoid garden bonfires, particularly during hot or windy weather. If they do light a bonfire, it should never be left unattended. A water source should always be nearby, and fires must be fully extinguished before going indoors. It’s also worth being mindful of fires in nearby gardens.
 

Use barbecues safely

Barbecues are a common source of summer fires. Customers should

• Check weather conditions before lighting
• Keep barbecues away from fences, sheds and dry grass
• Avoid using them in windy conditions
• Only dispose of ash once it is completely cool (which can take days)

Disposable barbecues should be placed on non-flammable surfaces and fully cooled before disposal.
 

Be aware of battery charging risks

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause fires if misused. Customers should

• Avoid charging devices overnight
• Never leave charging devices unattended
• Unplug devices once fully charged
   

Watch out for sunlight hazards

Everyday household items like mirrors, glass ornaments or bottles can reflect and intensify sunlight. Positioned incorrectly, they can ignite nearby materials. Keeping these items out of direct sunlight can help reduce risk.
 

Dispose of cigarettes responsibly

Cigarettes and matches can easily ignite dry materials such as grass, decking or garden furniture. They should always be fully extinguished and disposed of safely.