Etiqa Insurance Singapore raises awareness of common household fire risks in Toa Payoh.

 

Insurer Etiqa Insurance Singapore is launching a fire safety community initiative in Toa Payoh to raise awareness of common household fire risks and the importance of basic protection for the home. This initiative is carried out in partnership with Care Corner Senior Services, which supports seniors through its network of Active Ageing Centres and Senior Care Centres in Toa Payoh.

With the rising number of household fires recorded in Toa Payoh throughout 2025, the need for community-led fire safety education has never been more pressing. This is especially critical given the estate’s demographic profile – boasting one of Singapore’s highest concentrations of seniors – and its status as an ‘Age Well Neighbourhood’.  These recent incidents highlight the unique vulnerabilities of seniors living alone and the importance of tailored safety support.

Taking place on January 15 and 23, 2026, the initiative aims to reach 500 senior households, some of whom live on their own, equipping them with knowledge and tools to better manage fire risks at home. Based on the Singapore Civil Defence Force 2024 annual report, common causes of household fires include unattended cooking and the overloading of electrical sockets.

The programme focuses on addressing risks such as these through education and preparedness. As part of the initiative, seniors will attend a fire safety session, led by fire protection solutions industry leader Fire Armour, on fire prevention and management at home. Each participating household will receive a lightweight one-kilogram dry powder fire extinguisher as a first line of safety equipment. Volunteers will be on hand to assist senior participants who require help in bringing the fire extinguishers home, while selected households will also receive direct distribution to ensure broader reach within the community.

“At Etiqa, we believe insurance should help people feel ready for everyday risks, not only support recovery after something goes wrong. Fires are a real and immediate concern for many households, especially seniors living independently. As the appointed fire insurer for the Housing and Development Board, we are committed to equip communities with practical fire safety knowledge and that can make a real difference at home,” said Raymond Ong, CEO, Etiqa Insurance Singapore.

Sharon Tang, deputy director, Active Ageing Group, Care Corner Seniors Services, added:  “Many seniors want to live independently but may not always be aware of everyday risks at home. At Care Corner Senior Services, we support seniors through our network of active ageing centres and senior care centres in Toa Payoh. Together with Etiqa, we are bringing fire safety education and support directly into the community to help seniors feel more confident and reassured in their daily lives.”

 

SIDEBOX:
Ageless Online asked Etiqa – beyond unattended cooking and overloaded power sockets, what are other common causes of senior household fires?

“Household fires have been a significant concern in Singapore. One of the causes is the use of unauthorised chargers for phones and Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). These devices can overheat, spark or even catch fire if they are not properly certified or used with incompatible power sources. Improper charging habits, such as leaving devices plugged in overnight or charging near flammable materials, further increase the risk.

Unattended items such as lit lamps, candles or joss sticks are also common causes of fires, especially when these items are in close proximity to flammable items such as curtains, newspapers or plastic. Embers from these can start fires when they fall onto carpets or wooden furniture.

Smoking can also be a risk. When individuals smoke at home and improperly dispose of cigarettes, there are hidden ignition risks.

Electrical issues are also another factor. This includes frayed wires that have been cracked or chewed by pests that can cause short circuits, while degraded internal components in old appliances can overheat and catch fire. Faulty appliances that do not automatically turn off, such as kettles will pose significant risks. Separately, the use of uncertified electrical parts that lack proper safety fuses is also a common risk in households.

Finally, while not a direct cause of fires, hoarded, cluttered items in homes or along corridors present significant fire risks as they obstruct firefighters from reaching the source of the fire quickly, and hinder help efforts when required.”