Safehome Fire Prevention Program

Queensland householders are offered a free fire safety audit of their home courtesy of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and NRMA Insurance.

In Queensland, NRMA Insurance deals with at least one house fire claim per day during winter. "Many households think it won't happen to them," said Queensland State Manager for NRMA Insurance Brett Robinson. "Taking precautions like developing an escape route in case of fire is something we'd encourage everyone to do. It's something we do in our workplace, so let's get into the habit at home," said Brett.

That's why NRMA Insurance has partnered with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) to offer the Safehome fire prevention program to Queenslanders. It's a program that has won approval from 95% of respondents to a QFRS client survey.

The Safehome program is a free service that involves firefighters from local stations visiting homes to advise householders on fire prevention for their property. Fire hazards and protection measures are identified during an inspection conducted with the householder. A safety pack which includes a checklist, tips on fire prevention tailored to each room in the house and advice on fire detection measures, evacuation plans, general safety and fire insurance is left with the householder. This pack provides a framework for all members of the household to follow up the inspection together with a discussion on protection and evacuation plans.

In the first two years of the program 6,485 homes were reviewed and 6,643 smoke alarms installed. In the third year 2006/07 a further 3,278 homes were inspected in urban areas with 2,043 smoke alarms installed. Returns for rural areas are still being compiled by QFRS.

The program is open to all Queensland households, with NRMA Insurance customers receiving a thank you note and complimentary fire blanket when they participate.

QFRS research revealed that the program is having a positive impact with 94% of clients taking positive action after the inspection. Follow-up measures include testing and replacing batteries in smoke alarms, installing new or additional smoke alarms, conducting regular checks on older household appliances, making sure exits are clear and cleaning roof gutters.

"Our partnership with the QFRS is something we're really proud of because it's helping to protect our customers" said Siân Bowen, NRMA Insurance Senior Manager for Community and Communications. "Our customers have really embraced this service, and the partnership is helping to improve business results. It's a 'prevention rather than cure' approach to insurance that we're working on implementing more widely."

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