Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding the public to remain safe from residential fires this summer by safeguarding their homes and properties.
Now is the time when households are putting up Christmas trees, firing up barbecues, and planning summer holidays.
FRNSW has released a series of checklists for the public to keep in mind as the festive season gets closer.
FRNSW recommendations
FRNSW recommends the following:
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
- When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays, use only one item per power socket and don't overload power boards or piggyback double adaptors
- For maximum safety, if users use a power board, ensure it has both overload protection and earth leakage protection devices incorporated
- Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow the manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating
- Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs, and frayed cords
- Inspect the plugs and leads of used decorative lights to ensure they are in good working order. If in doubt, replace the lights
- Decorative lights may become very hot, so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations, or curtains, and don’t leave burning candles unattended
- Candles should be used in a safe position away from Christmas Trees or other flammable material and out of reach of children. Extinguish them if one leaves the room, and always before going to bed
- Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed
- Make sure to have a sufficient number of working smoke alarms throughout the home that are tested regularly and are supported by a written home escape plan in case of fire.
HOME FIRE SAFETY
- Make sure the smoke alarms are working properly
- Clear any clutter, weeds, and debris from outside the home
- Check electrical equipment and fittings, especially fans and other equipment that may not have been used since last summer
- Ensure exits and escape points around the home are clear
- Conduct drills to familiarize the home fire escape plan
- Lock pool chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers in a cool, dry place.
GAS CYLINDERS
Before lighting the barbecue:
- Check the ‘use by’ date on the gas bottles
- Check connections on the hose are tight and not leaking
- Check hoses are not damaged or perished.
HOLIDAYS
Before leaving for a holiday, check:
- Smoke alarms in the home and the caravan (if applicable) are in working order
- Electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged
- Gutters are clear of leaves and debris. All combustible materials such as leaves, grass, timber, and paper have been removed from around the home
- Ensure any Lithium-Ion battery-powered devices are not left on charge when no one is home.
Home fire safety visit
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, recommended booking a home fire safety visit from local firefighters.
“If you’re not sure how safe your home is, follow the link and book a visit,” Commissioner Fewtrell said, “Firefighters can pop around, carry out a detailed safety inspection and advise you how to better safeguard your home."
“They can even install a smoke alarm free of charge, if necessary. There’s no excuse for complacency when it comes to fire safety, especially over summer,” the Commissioner added.
