During the cooler months many of us dry our clothes in front of the heater.
When doing this, always remember the saying Keep Clothes A Metre From The Heater.
Some advice from CFA
Data from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) reveals Autumn and Winter are the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, due in part to the increased use of home heating.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said home heating includes open fires, wood heaters, fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, and portable electrical, gas, or kerosene heaters.
“More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms or lounge rooms,” said A/CO Cook.
When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommends:
- Home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
- All heating devices are switched off or extinguished before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating.
- Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
- For portable heating appliances choose models that have automatic safety switches that turn the heater off if tipped over.
- Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
- Brick chimneys and gas heaters should be checked before winter to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- FRV and CFA recommend smoke alarms should be considered “A Bedroom Essential” and recommend they are installed in every living area and bedroom.
More information visit Winter Chill Brings Increased Home Fire Risk (takes you the CFA web site).
