While house fires can happen at any time of the year, winter poses a significant threat to Queenslanders. As the temperature plummets, more of us tend to use heated appliances, which add to the existing fire risks in the home. At H & H, we want to make sure all of our homeowners and tenants are safe this season, so we’ve got a few tips on how to protect your home this winter.
The Top 3 Fire Hazards In Your Home This Winter
Winter poses some unique fire risks, so to avoid disaster, make sure you consider the following hazards carefully.
+ Heating appliances. Contrary to what Victorians think (we get it, Melbourne is cold), Brisbane can get pretty chilly too. When the temperature drops, we reach for our space heaters and electric blankets. Unfortunately, if not monitored, these appliances pose a major fire hazard. Make sure you turn off heating appliances when they’re not in use, and don’t fall asleep with your heaters left on.
+ Fire pits. If you want to have a fire pit, you need to understand how to put out the fire safely and properly. The Brisbane City Council has put specific regulations in place to make sure fire pits are safe and not a disturbance to neighbours.
+ Candles, oil burners, and incense. As the weather cools, it’s tempting to light a scented candle, pour a glass of Shiraz, and rug up to enjoy a good book. Just make sure you put your candles and incense out when you’re finished, as unattended flames are a leading cause of house fires in Queensland.
Fire Hazards You Need To Think About All Year Round
Fire hazard protection is something you need to think about throughout the year, not just during winter. Make sure you check the following areas of your home regularly.
+ Clean the lint filter in your dryer regularly.
+ Never leave your cooking unattended.
+ Make sure professionals regularly check gas appliances.
+ Clean up leaves, sticks and debris cluttering the yard.
How To Protect Your Home
When it comes to fire hazard protection, you can never be too careful. H & H have a few tips on how you can comprehensively protect your home.
+ Get regular smoke alarm checks. You should be organising annual checks of your smoke alarm systems. Smoke alarms save lives, so make sure yours is in working order.
+ Organise home and contents insurance. Even if you’re militant about your fire hazard prevention, sometimes accidents happen. Protect yourself and your home with a comprehensive insurance policy so you can sleep easy.
+ Check your electrical appliances regularly. If you notice your appliances are sparking when you plug them in, have frayed or broken cords and wires, or do unusual things such as heat up or make strange noises, turn them off and stop using them. Faulty electrical appliances are a huge fire hazard, so watch out for the warning signs.
+ Learn how to put out a small fire. Invest in fire blankets or fire extinguishers for your home and teach yourself how to use them. You never know when you might be able to prevent a disaster.
