steps to a safe & warm home

Tick Off Our Seasonal Checklist To Bring Comfort And Peace Of Mind

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

1

DO check household appliances

Electrical faults are a major cause of house fires in Australia. Reduce the risk by regularly inspecting electrical leads for damage, keeping appliances clean and free of dust, and even removing breadcrumbs from the toaster. Empty the lint filter every time you use the dryer, as the lint can catch fire. Check electric blankets for damage before use and roll, not fold, to store. Get the reverse-cycle air conditioner serviced annually and vacuum its filters regularly. Avoid overloading power boards and place them on their side, so dust doesn’t collect in the unused power points*. If you don’t have enough power points or a fuse often trips, call in a licensed electrician. Don’t leave appliances on when you’re not home and turn them off at the wall before going to bed.

2DO be safe with heating

A warm home is a healthy home, but heating can be dangerous. Have the chimney of your wood heater professionally swept before winter begins, keep firewood, fire starters and matches at least one metre away from the fireplace and always use a fire screen in front of an open fire (and enclosed wood heaters if small children are around). Only run heaters and electric blankets when you’re home and awake.

Never place clothes or towels over a heater to dry (a heated bathroom towel rail does the job nicely) and keep curtains, bedding and clothes racks at least one metre away from heaters and fireplaces.

3DO have a plan

Compile a few simple steps so your family can react quickly if there is a fire. Test smoke alarms at least twice a year (replace batteries if needed) and vacuum alarms to remove dust. Use specialised smoke alarms (these include strobe lights and an under-pillow vibrating pad) for the hearing impaired. Consider a carbon monoxide alarm if you run gas appliances. Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen. Have a home escape plan and if anyone has special needs, have backup medication, or a manual wheelchair in case there are power outages.

4DO maintain the garden

Prune back dead or weak tree branches, as they could fall and damage your property – or a person! Clear all gutters regularly, especially after autumn, as a build-up of debris can provide fuel for house and bush fires, and also lead to leaks, mould and nesting pests. Keep safety top of mind; when on any ladder, wear good slip-proof shoes, make sure the ladder is stable (a ladder grip is a worthy investment), maintain three points of contact at all times and always make sure someone is nearby to help if required. If you can’t safely reach, call in the professionals.

5DO reduce the chance of falls

Falling is the number one cause of injury hospitalisations and death in Australia**. Outside, pressure wash moss from slippery paths. Light up hazardous areas, like outdoor steps, and use bright sensor lights to illuminate major thoroughfares – some smart sensor lights can be turned on and off with a smartphone. Inside, clear floors of clutter and secure rugs and carpets. Make sure stair balustrades are solid and clean, and add adhesive grip tape to stair treads. Sensor lights are also useful in hallways and bathrooms; some can just be plugged into a power point.