As we head into winter and the temperatures drop, residents are being encouraged to stay out of harm from house fires.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) typically see a 10 per cent spike in the number of residential fires during the cooler months due to heaters, electric blankets and overloaded power boards.
Last winter firefighters attended more than 1000 house fires across the state.
FRNSW has launched a Winter Fire Safety Campaign with firefighters demonstrating how quickly a bedroom fire can take hold.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said tragically FRNSW has already attended seven fire fatalities this year.
"A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke," he said.
"I recommend you heed the advice of firefighters to ensure that you and your loved ones are home fire safe this winter."
"FRNSW does a great job in protecting our community however if we all do our bit to minimise the risks in our home, we can all stay safer together."
FRNSW Commissioner, Paul Baxter, said it was vitally important for people to have a working smoke alarm in their home and to test it regularly.
"Every year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented. Each death is a tragic loss for families, friends and the wider community," Commissioner Baxter said.
"The best way to stay out of harm this winter is to take measures to prevent a fire from occurring in the first instance."
FRNSW remind the community to:
- Keep looking when cooking
- Don't overload power boards
- Keep everything a metre from the heater
- Never use wheat bags to warm your bed
- Check electric blankets for frayed cords and other damage
- Don't use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal
- Have a Home Escape Plan
Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
For more information about home fire safety click HERE.
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
