Fire Safety Measures to Prevent Disasters During Winter

Every winter, Australian households face the risk of accidental house fires, primarily due to the increased usage of home heating systems such as gas, electrical, or woodfire. During winter, it is important to prioritise fire safety measures to ensure the well-being of your family while keeping them warm. By implementing preventable methods, you can effectively protect your loved ones and reduce the likelihood of fire incidents.

1. Check Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms serve as vital tools in alerting you and your family to the presence of smoke within your home. To ensure their effectiveness, it is crucial to undertake the following steps:

• Regularly test your smoke alarms to verify that they are in working order and emit a loud sound.
• Check the expiration date on each alarm and replace if necessary.
• Clean the alarms periodically to remove dust, insects, or debris.
• Install at least one fully functional fire alarm on each level of your home, ideally positioned in a central area.

2. Create an Escape Plan

Having a well-prepared fire escape plan can save lives in the event of a fire. Take the following actions:

• Develop an escape plan and consider drawing it out to provide visual guidance. Example escape plans can be found online.
• Discuss the escape plan with your family, addressing any questions or concerns, particularly with children.
• Designate a safe meeting spot outside the home, away from the danger zone, such as the mailbox.
• Practice the escape plan regularly to ensure all family members are familiar with multiple efficient escape routes.

3. Fireplace and Chimney Safety

Fireplaces and chimneys pose fire hazards, especially during winter. Follow these precautions:

• Keep chimneys clean and free from obstructions.
• Utilise a metal fire screen in front of open fires to prevent sparks from igniting surrounding materials.
• Arrange for a qualified professional to inspect your fireplace for safety.
• Store wood and fuel at a safe distance from the fireplace.

4. Heater Safety

The increased use of heaters during winter demands special attention to ensure their safe operation:

• Schedule regular servicing and maintenance for all heaters.
• Keep the area around heaters free from clutter.
• Plug heaters directly into a socket and avoid using extension cords or power boards.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the room where the heater is being used.

5. Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is paramount in preventing electrical fires during winter. While professional assistance is recommended, you can take the following steps to mitigate potential hazards:

• Conduct visual inspections of outlets and cables in your home, looking for signs of damage or wear.
• Avoid overloading powerpoints with excessive plugs.
• If you suspect an electrical fault, turn off the device and seek assistance from a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection.

6. Electric Blanket Maintenance

Electric blankets are commonly used in Australian homes during winter. To ensure their safe usage, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid folding the electric blanket for storage as it may cause cable faults. Roll the blanket instead.
• Before use, test the electric blanket by laying it on your bed and observing it for two minutes.
• Inspect the internal wires for any abnormalities and check cords for damage.
• Discard the electric blanket if you notice any signs of damage or malfunction.