KEY POINTS:
Winter is the most dangerous time of the year for fires in the home.
Its onset means an increase in the use of heating appliances, solid fuel and gas burning fires and things like electric blankets.
Not only are there potential dangers present from combustible materials being close to heat sources, there are also risks involved in the disposal of hot ashes.
Knowing a few simple preventative strategies when using heaters can, however, lower significantly the number of fires caused by their misuse.
Heating equipment should always be installed by qualified trades people and regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Open fires should always have a fire screen in front of them, both to keep children away and to prevent sparks from landing on a the carpet or hearth rug. Ashes should be allowed to cool, then placed in a metal container outside the house.
All flames and embers should be extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. The flue or chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent the build up of flammable material.
Children should never be left unsupervised in the vicinity of open fires or heaters and there should be at least 1m between a heater and drying clothes, bedclothes, curtains or upholstery.
When refuelling kerosene heaters, only kerosene should be used and refuelling should only be done in a well ventilated area. Flammable liquids, including petrol, methylated spirits or solvents should not be used around heaters or any naked flame.
Whilst prevention is a first line of defence against fire, it is still important to install suitable and sufficient fire detection devices. A smoke alarm should be installed in each bedroom and living area, as well as the kitchen, and on each level of the home. Alarms should be tested every month, the batteries changed at least once a year and alarms gently dusted with a brush or vacuum cleaner every six months.
Whilst smoke alarms are an essential tool in early detection of fire, they are only effective if a full evacuation of the house is achieved quickly and safely.
The escape plan should be specific to your home, should include two ways to get out of every room and identify an outdoor meeting place. The plan should be discussed with every member of the family and practiced three or four times a year.
