The current cold snap on the Tweed Coast has GIO Insurance and Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) urging people to take care when using heaters and fireplaces.
GIO Insurance Murwillumbah Principal, David Devine, said their research showed that some people are still not taking the risk of a house fire seriously.
“Despite warmer days at the beginning of August, it’s cold again now, and we’re still cranking the heaters up, or in some homes, stoking an open fire,” David said.
“The weather typically cools down again before spring hits, and we want to remind NSW households that cozy complacency with heaters at this time could lead to a fire at your home,” he said.
“Worryingly, GIO’s research has highlighted that people are leaving their house with their heater still on in one in ten homes across NSW. This is a serious risk – unattended heaters are one of the major causes of home fires.”
GIO’s research also found that only half of regional NSW homes do any maintenance or safety checks on their heaters before the beginning of the prime usage period of winter.
Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins said winter was the busiest season for firefighters and urged homeowners to take extra precautions with their heaters and electric blankets, even though spring was approaching.
“Make sure your heaters are turned off at night and when you leave the house,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“And I strongly advise all homeowners keep heaters at least one metre away from curtains, bedding, clothing and blankets.”
“A working smoke alarm is a must for all homes and we recommend you also have fire extinguishers and fire blankets in the kitchen to further protect your family and property. This is simple advice that makes a big difference.”
GIO’s research showed that while smoke alarms are present in 94 per cent of regional NSW homes, just one in three keeps a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in the house.
“While nearly 90 per cent of people assured us they know how to use a fire extinguisher and fire blanket, unfortunately just one in three NSW households has either in the home,” Mr Devine said.
“If disaster does strike, good preparation, such as having the right equipment in the home can make all the difference in what can be truly frightening and deadly event.”
To help NSW families think more about their own fire safety, GIO and FRNSW are urging people across the state to complete the home fire safety audit (HFSA) at www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au. The HFSA is a simple online assessment tool, which gives the household a fire safety rating and tips about how to prevent or prepare for fires.
