Cold snap prompts house fire warning
Published: 30th May 2016
The arrival of cooler temperatures has prompted Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to warn NSW residents to take every precaution to avoid a fire in the home.
Firefighters have been called to more than 30 home fires since Thursday. FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said with the cooler weather forecast to continue, NSW residents needed to take the risk of a fire breaking out in their home seriously.
"With the arrival of cold weather across NSW, residents are lighting up the fireplace and dusting off old heaters and electric blankets to keep themselves warm," Commissioner Mullins said.
"Home fires in the cooler months are often far more serious and are more likely to result in injuries and deaths.
"I appeal to residents not to put themselves or their families at risk. Keep looking when cooking and do not leave heaters, dryers, electric blankets, or any other electrical device unattended. Always turn them off when leaving home or going to bed. Also remember to check the electrical cords for fraying and other damage.
"If you have a fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and it's properly ventilated.
"With May being the 10th anniversary of the introduction of smoke alarm legislation, now is the time to ReAlarm your home by replacing your smoke alarms.
"Given that not all smoke alarms last beyond 10 years, this year we're encouraging residents to replace their outdated alarms with the latest photoelectric smoke alarms, which provide earlier detection and fewer false alarms."
More firefighter home fire safety tips:
- Keep clothing and other flammable materials at least one metre from your heater
- Clean out the clothes dryer filter after every load
- Don't overload your powerboards
- Never use wheat bags in bed
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm and a practised home escape plan
- If a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)