There is nothing better than cosying up in front of your wood fired heater or snuggling in a bed warmed by an electric blanket in the cold winter months. There is nothing worse than a house fire that could have been prevented. A few simple house-keeping jobs can make sure you and your family are safe from fire danger as well as warm this winter.
Fireplaces & Chimneys
- Get your wood heater serviced once a year
- Check the flue prior to each winter & have it professionally cleaned a minimum of once a year
- Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire
- Ashes can take up to 5 days to cool & should be disposed of via a metal bin and doused in water before throwing them out.
- Fires should always be completely put out before you go to bed or leave the house.
Electric blankets
- Inspect your electric blankets closely every year for wear & tear, scorch marks, kinks & creases. You should get your blanket checked by a qualified electrician every three years.
- Electric blankets should be replaced if they are over five years old. New models are more energy efficient & usually safer.
- Never place anything on the bed while the blanket is on as it might lead to localised overheating
- Make sure the cords are not twisted as these are a common cause of fires
- The blanket should always be flat on the mattress with no wrinkles or creases, should never be tucked under the mattress or extended under the pillows
- Always turn off your electric blanket when you get into bed.
- When it comes to storing your electric blanket, ensure it is rolled not folded, as folding can damage the wiring.
Gas Heaters
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased with gas heaters in winter. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless, tasteless & deadly. Steps should be taken to ensure gas heaters are properly installed & maintained.
- All gas heaters MUST be installed & serviced regularly by a licensed gasfitter.
- All gas heaters must be adequately vented to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Avoid using your gas heater for long periods of time or when not required, such as overnight.
- Ensure your room has adequate ventilation in order for your heater to operate correctly.
- Avoid buying second-hand gas heaters & ensure that your gas heater complies with the Australian Gas Association standards.
Remember that you cannot smell smoke when you are asleep, so ensuring that you follow all safety requirements in regards to the cold weather essentials will assist in the prevention of an overnight fire. Last but probably most important of all ensure your fire alarms are safety compliant & contain functional batteries.
Reference for further reading.
https://www.esv.vic.gov.au/safety-education/gas-safety-at-home/heating-your-home-with-gas/
https://knowrisk.com.au/tips/tips-to-keep-your-home-and-family-safe-from-winter-fires
