Watch out for hidden fire risks during the holiday season

By Sarah Waters

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is a time for joy, family and festivities, but this time of the year also comes with a unique fire risk.

Christmas tree lights, cooking equipment and candles are all considered potential hazards around the home.

The most common fire dangers in homes are often found in the kitchen, bedrooms and lounge areas.

New research from Brooks Australia reveals one in two (48 per cent) of Aussie parents have left cooking on the stove unattended, while four in ten (40 per cent) have left an electrical appliance on.

While NSW Fire and Rescue Service state 40 per cent of housefires are caused by electrical appliances and electrical faults.

CEO of Brooks Australia Cathy Brand said there are plenty of fire risks to be aware of heading into the holiday season.

“Christmas trees, decorative lights, candles, excited kids and pets and overworked power boards could all be potential fire hazards Australian families are overlooking,” Ms Brand said.

“Lights need to be checked for faults or fraying in the wiring before being plugged in and turned off before going to bed.

“Power boards are also a concern as they can be easily overloaded with gadgets and appliances.

“Furthermore, never leave cooking unattended or close by to anything flammable, which is an easy mistake to make when there is a lot going on,” she said.

Ms Brand said the absence of working smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60 per cent.

“It only takes three minutes for a fire to take hold in your home and when you’re asleep you will not smell smoke - in fact, it will put you into a deeper sleep.

“Therefore, working smoke alarms are critical - it provides a critical early warning to give you and your loved one’s time to escape and safeguard your home against devastating fire damage.

“That includes installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms on every level of your home and it’s recommended they are also in bedrooms - then tested monthly and cleaned every six months,” she said.

Residents are being encouraged to take precautions this holiday period to stay fire safe - check out Brooks Christmas Fire Safety Checklist at www. brooks.com.au for further information.