Essential FCF Fire Safety Guide For Winter Season In Australia

Fire safety is essential year-round; however, cold winter months are actually the top season for household fires. Cold weather and less daylight mean individuals are more likely to use lights, electrical holiday decorations, and heating devices for longer and in more ways than during other times of the year.

The cold temperatures additionally dry out wood and will produce a primed setting for a spark to develop a fire. Lots of fire hazards are avoidable. Mentioned below are several pointers to consider:

Electrical Fires Prevention

Using the wrong one can cause overheating and failure of insulation in the bulb sockets

Avoid Overheating, use appropriate bulb wattage for light fixtures. Using the wrong one can cause overheating and failure of insulation in the bulb sockets. Avoid using extension cords whenever possible.

Outdoor Lights

For those who have electrical decorations outside their house, including extension cords and adapters, ensure they are outdoor rated. Check the string of lights for damage.

Space Heaters and Electrical Blankets

Check the amp requirements for your space heater, before plugging into an outlet. Do not leave them on for extended periods of time. Ensure electrical blanket is not old, damaged and brittle. If an electric blanket must be run with an extension cord, ensure it is the proper gauge with well-fitting connectors.

Keep Combustible Materials Away from the Stove

A lot of fires start in the kitchen. Use extra caution when using grease or oils when cooking. Water does not extinguish a fire caused by oils or grease. Smother the fire and don't swat it with a towel. Turn off the heat source. If you can't extinguish the fire, leave the house and call the fire brigade.

Be Aware of Side Effects

Kitchen fires also happen when individuals fall asleep, forget that they are cooking or pass out. Medication, sleeping pills, alcohol, and other drugs can cause individuals to doze off.

Unattended Candle

Keep candles away from combustible materials and out of reach of children

When leaving a room, ensure that candles have been blown out. Keep candles away from combustible materials and out of reach of children.

Maintain Dryer Vent Lines

Clean out dryer vent lines; hire professional service to help with this, if the location of their dryer vent line makes it difficult.

Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces

Have wood-burning chimneys inspected and swept to clear of any debris or nests. Check that gas fireplace vent is clear.

Keep Grills at a Safe Distance

Keep outdoor fryers and grills away from the home’s siding and soffits. Never leave the grill unattended and keep your grill and tray grease-free or from fat buildup.

Beware of oil and grease-stained Laundry

Do not store greasy, oily rags or laundry in piles. These can spontaneously combust. If this oily laundry sits for too long, heat can be generated as the oil oxidizes.

When stored in a pile or in an enclosed space, the heat has no way to dissipate and it can increase to the point of combustion. Drying oily laundry in high temperatures also greatly increases the risk of combustion.

Fire Extinguishers

It is important to have functioning fire extinguishers on all levels of the dwelling, in addition to the kitchen. Regularly check their pressure, and replace the extinguisher if low.

Always have a working smoke alarm

Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that detect smoke well before any sleeping occupant would

Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that detect smoke well before any sleeping occupant would, and they provide critical seconds to implement actions to save life and property. It’s the law that smoke alarms must be installed on every level of your home. 

This includes owner occupied homes, rental properties, re-locatable homes, caravans, and camper-vans or any other residential building where people sleep.

Carbon monoxide from open fires

Avoid the use of external heating equipment inside your homes. This includes those that use 'heat beads' or LPG as a fuel source. This type of equipment is not suitable for indoor use and can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide which could be fatal. All heating devices should be used in accordance with manufacturer's recommended practices.

Let FCF help with fire safety. They offer a wide range of fire protection services including supply, installation and maintenance. For more information and assistance, contact FCF personnel immediately.