Friday 24 April 2020

RESIDENTS URGED TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT HOME FIRE SAFETY

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is encouraging residents across the state to be vigilant about home fire safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March, there were 163 house fires in NSW, one-in-five homes having no working smoke alarms, with a total 14 injuries. Thirty-eight per cent were caused by unattended cooking, which accounted for six injuries.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said that residents should be extra vigilant about home fire safety with the majority of NSW residents following health authority advice and either working from home or staying home.

“As more people begin to work from home and now that we are moving into the colder months of the year, it is even more important that residents be conscious about home fire safety,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“We assure the community that the current situation will not impact our frontline emergency response and that we remain prepared for anything at any time.”

FRNSW has provided the following tips for fire safety in the home:
  • Smoke alarms double the chance of survival – regularly check your alarm is working
  • Keep looking when cooking – do not leave cooking unattended at any time
  • Make sure you keep candles, oil/incense burners and heaters away from flammable items
  • NEVER use outdoor heaters, barbecues or charcoal pits inside your home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Don’t overload power points and powerboards
  • Check electric blankets to ensure they are not faulty.

Destination NSW

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