Spring is here but the CFA says it’s important not to be too cool about home fire safety as the weather warms up.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan warned that house fires could occur at any time and urged people to make sure their heaters, chimneys and electrical appliances were safe to use.
He said on average, there were more than 3000 house fires in Victoria each year and most could be prevented by taking simple fire safety precautions.
“We want to make sure people use heating devices like gas heaters or open fires safely, even now that winter is officially over,” he said.
“This includes making sure heaters are switched off before going to bed or leaving the house, keeping clothing, curtains or toys one metre away from heaters and always using a screen in front of open fires.
“Also, remember to never leave cooking unattended, as the leading cause of home fires is cooking in the kitchen.”
With more than 70 per cent of fatal house fires starting in bedrooms and living areas, the CFA recommends smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas of your home.
“Fire risk is greatest at night when you are asleep. When we sleep, we lose our sense of smell and the carbon monoxide in smoke can put you into a deeper sleep,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Without a working smoke alarm, you may not wake up if there is a fire.
“Smoke alarms alert you quickly and give you and your family valuable time to escape.”
If a fire does start inside your home — get out, stay out and call 000.
Top home fire safety tips
• The CFA recommends interconnected smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas of your home.
• Book a licensed gas-fitter to check your gas heater.
• Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cracks, rust and debris.
• Check electric blankets for kinks in the wiring.
• 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 on the CFA’s wesbite to see if you’ve done everything you can to protect you and your family.
• Prepare a home fire escape plan and practise escaping quickly and safely.