Texas House Fires Drop 15% in 2010

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The frequency of Texas home fires dropped 15% among Allstate customers during the first half of 2010, when compared to the same period last year. This decrease puts fire frequency back in line with historical levels, after Allstate saw a spike in the first half of 2009.  

While weather related claims, like damage caused by wind and hail, tend to make up the most common and costly homeowner claims in Texas, Allstate analyzed non-weather related home fire claims to raise awareness about National Fire Prevention Month in October. Despite the decline in frequency this year, the state's second largest homeowner insurer is asking consumers to take a moment to think about how to make their homes more fire-safe.

"It only takes a few minutes to walk through your home, identify fire hazards and make sure you have fire prevention techniques in place," said Dana Philibert, an Allstate agent in the Houston area.

The Allstate data found the top fire-starters this year in Texas have been electrical fires throughout the home and grease fires started in the kitchen. Allstate surveyed 40 fire officials statewide to compare their most common fire causes.  Most reported cooking and electrical hazards at the top of their list also.  

"Overloading electrical outlets and using extension cords too long are common hazards. Extension cords are only meant to be used temporarily, for 90 days at the most," said Philibert.

The Allstate survey of state fire officials found other common fire hazards are misused candles, cigarettes and space heaters.  They also reported fires frequently start in the kitchen, followed by the bedroom.

The top three fire safety and prevention methods recommended by the surveyed departments are:

• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Develop and practice an escape plan.

The surveyed fire departments were in the following cities or surrounding areas in Texas:

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE Allstate Corporation