'Fire insurance a safety net for residents'

In light of the large number of fires breaking out across residential towers and villas in the UAE, the Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company, or Aman, is calling on UAE residents to strengthen their home protection efforts with the acquisition of a strategic and fully reliable fire insurance policy. The possession of a fire insurance policy gives homeowners the confidence of full coverage on all homely possessions in the occurrence of a fire or any natural disaster. Aman Insurance’s call to action follows after alarming reports showing that a total of 3,274 building fires were recorded last year along with 33 casualties and 237 individuals injured. According to a report released by the UAE Department of Civil Defence, household fires were the most frequent in 2011, with a majority occurring in kitchens and due to resident’s non-compliance with set safety regulations. The report also shows that a major cause of fires breaking out in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah were caused by the non-compliant storage of gas cylinders, which can cause them to explode.The report also cites the risk presented by the use of highly inflammable insulation material used in the construction of these buildings. Despite the large number of cases recorded, the Department of Civil Defence noted that fires in UAE buildings dropped by more than a third last year compared with 2010. “It is very alarming to note that the country has recorded a total of over 3,274 building fires last year—not only leaving a large casualty figure but also many people homeless and lose of all the possessions they worked hard for,” Aman Insurance chief executive officer and managing director Hussein Al Meeza said. “Sensing the urgency of this matter, we are urging home owners in the UAE to invest in a reliable and comprehensive household policy. Doing so will give them the confidence and security that all of the possessions they own and even the home itself will get full protection in case of fire and the occurrence of any natural disaster,” Al Meeza added. Aman Insurance offers a diverse range of fire protection policies for both individuals and commercial or industrial entities. For home insurance, Aman specifically offers a Home Multi Cover plan that covers property against all risks, which includes burglary, water damage, explosion of gas cylinders, additional expenses for alternative accommodation and loss of rent, compensation for death of the Insured, public liability, tenant’s liability and liability to domestic servants.