Average Cooking Fire Claim Tops $30,000

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cooking fires far exceed most home-related fires, and they are more expensive to repair. Fires that start on the stove outpace appliance, fireplace, smoking, candle or furnace fires. According to claims data compiled by Nationwide Insurance, the average cooking fire claim damage is more than $30,000, which is four times higher than the next most expensive type of homeowners claim.

Seventeen percent of all Nationwide Insurance residential fire insurance claims were caused by cooking last year, said Mark Pizzi, president & COO of Nationwide Insurance. Weve learned a lot from our response to fires over the past few years. Having a plan and taking some small steps now can go a long way toward preventing the unthinkable.

Nationwide is urging homeowners to observe Fire Prevention Week October 7-13, 2012. Homeowners should check out our fire prevention infographic for tips on what they can do now to protect their homes and loved ones in the event of a fire.

Use Fire Prevention Week as motivation to make an emergency escape plan, check your smoke alarms, and identify your risks, added Pizzi. You can never be too prepared for the unexpected.

Last year, Nationwide found that March -- followed by April, December, October and May -- were the months with the most kitchen fires claims -- not just during the holiday months as most people might guess.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one in 22 households will have a cooking fire each year. Cooking is involved in an estimated 156,400 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments. These fires caused:

These home fire safety and homeowners insurance coverage suggestions can help you make decisions that may reduce your risks. We dont know every risk and cant guarantee these will work for you, but some of them may help protect your most valuable assets you, your family and your home.

Prevention Tips

Protect your personal property

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Average Cooking Fire Claim Tops $30,000