The colder months can result in multiple scenarios where there is a risk of fire breaking out in or around your home. There are a few factors to consider when thinking about fire safety around your home in winter. It is important to remember that there is a huge difference in how you run your home when the weather begins to get chilly.
Fire Safety and Heating Appliances
There are three main examples when it comes to home heating that can lead to a fire starting in your home.
Electric blankets should be used to warm up the bed, rather than providing a constant source of heat. Never leave an electric blanket unattended and make sure to switch them off before you go to sleep.
Heaters can catch on fire, so use them sparingly and only in rooms where you are able to monitor their use and always remember to turn them off when you leave the house.
Lastly, open fires are notorious for causing fires due the lack of a sufficient fireguard.
Faulty Appliances
You would think that the risk of fire from faulty appliances is the same the whole year round. However, many appliances such as electric blankets or heaters are only used during the winter months. Before you realise there is a fault, it is often too late to prevent a fire. It is also worth noting that cold weather appliances have been left in storage since the previous year, which can result in damage from moisture, dust and pests.
Before using any winter appliance, make sure that you clean it and check for damage to wires or other parts that are likely to cause a fire. If you have any concerns about faults, purchase a replacement rather than risking the safety of your family.
Danger Zones
The majority of fires start in the kitchen. Cold weather cooking can lead to an increased risk of fire due to forgetting to turn off appliances. Being aware of which rooms are at most risk of a blaze taking hold could actually save lives. Take stock of the changes that you make to deal with the winter weather in each room of your home.
The kitchen is not the only danger zone you have to worry about. Next on the list of top risks is the bedroom, followed by lounges, and finally laundry areas. While it is a good idea to focus the majority of your fire safety effects to these rooms, anywhere in your home where there is electricity or heating sources is at risk.
Create an Escape Plan
In the event of a fire in your New South Wales home, it is essential that your family is able to escape. Smoke and toxic fumes spread quickly so create escape routes that account for fires starting in any room. Designate a meeting point so that you can ensure everyone has safely exited the property. Most importantly, call the fire service right away and do not attempt to salvage personal property from your home.
You can also find additional information from the New South Wales Fire and Rescue service, via their website.
