Spark joy, not fires, this Christmas: RACQ

News
As Queenslanders decorated their homes for the festive season, RACQ has urged them to check their Christmas lights carefully, with its new insurance claims data revealing 20 percent of home fires were caused by an electrical fault.
Christmas decorations in box
RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said as Queenslanders put up lights inside and outside the home, they needed to undertake some simple checks to reduce their risk of a fire.

"We know everyone wants to end the year on a brighter note and we’re already seeing plenty of homes setting up light displays,” Ms Ross said.

“Whether it’s indoor lights around the tree, or a large display on the outside of your home, be careful you don’t run the risk of the wrong spark setting Christmas alight.”

Ms Ross recommended home owners follow the below tips when setting up Christmas lights.

“If you're planning to set up a display, take the time to inspect the lights for any visible damage to cords or plugs, rust or dust – and if you’re not sure, get a qualified electrician to take a look at them,” she said.

“Of course, never use indoor lights outside where they’re exposed to the elements, and only use lights that adhere to Australian standards - this can mean the difference between a cheery Christmas and one marked by a fire.

“Make sure you're playing it safe and not letting your Christmas turn into a catastrophe."

Related topics

  • The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

    Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

    Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

    Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

    RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.