FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell has recommended booking a home fire safety visit from local firefighters “if you’re not sure how safe your home is” but also offered a few simple steps to keep your home safe.
When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays, use only one item per power socket and don’t overload power boards or piggyback double adaptors.
For maximum safety if you use a power board, ensure it has both overload protection and earth leakage protection devices incorporated.
Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer’s instructions on setting up and operating.
Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords.
Inspect the plugs and leads of used decorative lights to ensure they are in good working order. If in doubt, replace the lights.
Decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don’t leave burning candles unattended.
Candles should be used in a safe position away from Christmas trees or other flammable material and out of reach of children. Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed and switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.
Make sure you have a sufficient number of working smoke alarms throughout your home that are tested regularly and are supported by a written home escape plan in case of fire.
“There’s no excuse for complacency when it comes to fire safety, especially over summer,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
Turn off festive light before bed
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding everyone to remain safe from residential fires this summer by safeguarding their homes and properties.
