With the winter season coming to an end tomorrow, CFA is reminding Victorians that home fire risks remain prevalent and urges communities to continue practising fire safe behaviour around the house.
Firefighters recommend keeping this front of mind by completing a Home Fire Safety Checklist which reinforces fire safe behaviour in the kitchen, bedrooms and living areas, and offers tips for clothes and laundry, electrical appliances and smoke alarm maintenance.
On average, there are more than 3000 house fires in Victoria each year and most can be prevented by taking simple precautions.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said even though spring will present some warmer weather, house fires can happen at any time and the community must ensure their heaters, chimneys and electrical appliances are safe to use.
“While the coldest months of the year are behind us, there may still be times when people are using heating devices such as gas heaters or open fireplaces and we want to ensure they do so safely,” he said.
“The kitchen is the most common area of fire ignition so remember to never leave cooking unattended and keep tea towels away from the stove top.
“Clothes dryers are also a fire risk – make sure to regularly clean the lint filter and let the dryer complete its cool down cycle before stopping.”
CFA also recommends interconnected smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas of your home.
“Just this year, our firefighters have responded to many significant – and even fatal – house fires across the state,” he said.
“Many of these incidents were preventable and we want people to ensure they are taking the necessary precautions inside their home year-round.
If a fire does start inside your home, make sure you have a home fire escape plan. Get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
Visit the CFA website to use the Home Fire Safety Checklist, or to learn more about smoke alarms, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/silenceisdeadly.
Top home fire safety tips
• CFA recommend interconnected smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas of your home.
• Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cracks, rust and debris.
• Check electric blankets for kinks in the wiring.
• Make sure heaters are off before going to bed or going out.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer (and continue to do this after every use).
• Check appliances for visibly frayed or damaged wiring.
• Complete the Home Fire Safety Checklist to see if you’ve done everything you can to protect you and your family.
• Prepare a home fire escape plan and practice escaping quickly and safely.
