Is Your Home Winter Fire Safe?
As the temperatures start to drop throughout the Wollombi Valley, local residents are advised to prepare their home to be Firewise this winter. The Rural Fire Service recommends this simple safety checklist to help keep homes fire safe this winter:
- Most importantly, have an adequate number of smoke alarms installed throughout your home (and remember to replace batteries to ensure they are working).It is also now compulsory to have smoke alarms fitted in all caravans.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- If you a have a fireplace make sure the chimney is clean.
- If you have an open fireplace always place a screen in front of it when in use.
- Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing on the bed.
Electric blankets should be switched off when not in use. - Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.
- Keep wet clothes at least 1metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended.
- Check the lint filter on clothes dryers and remove any excessive that may have built up.
- Only use one appliance per power point and switch off when not in use.
- Always handle candles or any other open flames with care and always extinguish before going to bed.
- Supervise children around heaters.
Also remember these important safety tips
- In the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket placed near the exit.
- Clearly display your road number at the entry of your property - as time may be lost if fire crews need to search for your address.
- Review and discuss the household's fire escape plan including a meeting point.
REMEMBER
.....a fire can take hold in 3 minutes
But it only takes seconds to prevent one.
Glenn O'Rourke
Deputy Captain
Wollombi Volunteer Bushfire Brigade