Heating: safety tips

In this article

1. Heating: safety tips

In brief

• Heater hazards
• Home safety tips
• Danger data

Winter chill sparks home fire hazards

Most Australians living south of the Queensland border are dusting off their heaters and plugging in electric blankets to beat the winter chill without realising they could ignite a fire. According to NRMA Insurance, heaters start about 17 per cent of winter fires – or more than 10 per day last winter – costing Australians in excess of $80 million.

The chief cause of heater fires is from people hanging clothes or towels over a heater or nearby curtains catching alight, says NRMA’s Insurance home safety expert, Gary Dransfield. “Households should always take precautions to help ensure their heater is kept clear of curtains, clothes, bedding and tablecloths. However, if a fire does occur, it is important to respond quickly with the correct fire safety equipment, and if necessary, a home evacuation.”

The burning questions is – how do we fireproof our homes? There are some simple safety measures households can implement to reduce fire hazards:

• Keep portable heaters, toasters and stove tops clear of curtains, clothes, bedding and tablecloths;
• Install, and regularly check smoke alarms
• Folding and storing electric blankets can damage components, so lay it flat on the bed and turn it on for five minutes before covering it with bed linen;
• Have a known evacuation plan;
• Check appliance cords, and discard if frayed or damaged;
• Keep flues and chimneys clean and a fire screen around open fires (young children are attracted to flames);
• Regularly clean the lint from clothes dryers;
• Don’t overload power points;
• Unplug electrical appliances when away from home;
• Store matches or lighters in a secure place not accessible to young children;
• When cooking, don’t leave stove unattended;
• Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances;
• Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check;
• Only use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch;
• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended;
• If possible, in the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket placed near the exit.

The main fire-causing culprits (June to August):

• 36% started in kitchens;
• 17% heaters;
• 12% ‘other’ appliances;
• 2% electric blankets.

Information sourced from NRMA Insurance; NSW Fire Brigade and Kidsafe.