Fire Rescue NSW urges DIY Home Fire Safety Checks During Lockdown

Did you know that more than 350 preventable home fires and 40 percent of annual fire-related injuries occur every August, the highest of any other month throughout the year?

With the recent announcement of the state-wide lockdown, FRNSW Deputy Captain Nicholas Whiting urged people to conduct DIY home fire safety checks to stay out of harm this winter, saying, “As residents spend more time at home than ever before, FRNSW is anticipating that the number of these preventable home fires will rise.”

The attached Winter Fire Safety Weekend Checklist can help you carry out this check.

FRNSW reminds the community to:
• Have a working smoke alarm and test it regularly
• Never ever leave cooking unattended
• Never overload a power board, ensure it is well ventilated, clean from dust and not placed in areas cords can be knocked loose (near feet under a desk)
• Keep everything one metre away from your heater
• Strong fire screens should be set up in front of open fires
• Turn off your electric blanket at night
• Do not use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your home. The use of this type of equipment indoors leads to the build-up of carbon monoxide which can be fatal.

You can also contact the Yass Fire Station on 02 6226 1058 for specific home fire safety advice.

Most importantly if a fire does occur in your home, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000). For more information about home fire safety, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter

Click here to download the Get Ready For Winter Checklist Pdf

• Topics:

• My House My Home
• Fire Safety