Statistics reveal that almost half of all home fires occur in Winter.

The key to reducing the risk of fire occurring in your home and to surviving a house fire, is being prepared.

Everyone in your household should understand what risks there are in your home and what to do to minimise them.

Is your home winter fire safe?

  • Never ever leave cooking unattended. “Keep Looking When Cooking”
  • Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Most importantly, have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure that you test them regularly.
  • Make sure you and all your family know two safe ways out of every room in your home.
  • Have a written home escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.
  • If you have a fireplace in your home make sure the chimney is clean, and its properly ventilated
  • If you have a fireplace always place a screen in front of it when in use and teach children of the dangers.
  • Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing on the bed.
  • Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.
  • Keep wet clothing at least 1 metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended.
  • If you use a clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.
  • Only use one appliance per power point and switch off when not in use.
  • Always extinguish candles or any other open flames before going to bed.
  • Always handle candles or any other open flame with care.
  • Store matches or lighters in a secure place not accessible to young children.
  • Avoid the use of outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your home. The use of this type of equipment indoors could lead to the build up of carbon Monoxide which could be fatal.

Also remember wheat bags can help pain, but they also have the potential to cause burns and fire if improperly used. Fire & Rescue NSW Firefighters have responded to numerous residential fires that have occurred due to wheat bags overheating in the microwave oven or wheat bags being used to warm bedding materials.