The Bureau of Fire Protection said there was a 12.9 percent spike in fire incidents from January to February compared to the same period last year.
The BFP logged 2,103 fire incidents during the first two months of the year compared to 1,863 last year, with the increase attributed to the easing of restrictions due to the improved COVID-19 situation in the country.
Historically, the onset of the dry season in March—which has been designated as the Fire Prevention Month—accounts for the highest number of fire incidents every year.
Electrical connection issues, according to the BFP, have been the top cause of fires in Metro Manila, constituting an average of 53.85 percent of the total fires yearly.
The BFP cited loose connections, overloading, pinched wires, and/or overheated home appliances as leading causes of electrical fires.
The heightened risk that fires pose underscores the situation that most Filipinos are underinsured, said AXA Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora.
“It is important to be insured for as many things as there are that pose real and significant risks for things that matter, and that cannot easily be replaced. To not cover everything of value that is vulnerable to real risks is to be underinsured,” Hora said.
Home Security from AXA protects not just against property damage from a fire or other disasters, but is also inclusive of personal accident insurance for household members, rent and relocation benefits, robbery coverage, and even household help protection.
When it comes to getting insured, it is always advisable to go with a more well-known insurance company rather instead of tapping one that offers the lowest premiums. Choosing a globally trusted company such as AXA for all insurance needs gives you the peace of mind of knowing that when you need it most, insurance will be there to cushion whatever blows life throws at you and your loved ones, Hora said.