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:
Austin
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Beaumont
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Corpus Christi
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Dallas-Fort Worth
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El Paso
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Houston
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Laredo
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Midland-Odessa
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Rio Grande Valley
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San Antonio
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Tyler-Longview
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Waco
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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
Copyright . 26 PR Newswire