Easy steps to prevent house fires with

Easy steps to prevent house fires with FMG

WORDS PROVIDED BY SPOKESPERSON ANGELA HOGG FMG ADVICE SERVICES MANAGER

OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS COST FMG ALMOST $49.5M, AFFECTING MORE THAN 470 FAMILIES.

Winter is coming, the days get cooler and the sheds fill with firewood, it’s time to check your home and the houses around the farm to avoid a potentially devastating and costly fire. While house fire claims are costly what isn’t reflected in the numbers is the trauma and emotional stress of a house fire, the potential loss of unreplaceable items, and a potentially prolonged rebuild or repair. Supply chains are under pressure and the cost of rebuild or repair has increased recently. These challenges mean restoration can be more time consuming and fraught with difficulties. Rural properties are more likely to use wood fires and pre-winter checks play a critical role in reducing the risk of house fires when it comes time to heat the house up. Your pre-winter house checks should include: • Check and if necessary, install smoke alarms. These really do save lives, so ensure yours are in good working condition. • Get your chimney swept every year. Inspecting fireplaces and chimneys for deterioration is very important. If damage is found, get a professional in to fix it before the first fire of the season. • Check electric heaters prior to use for dust build up and electrical wiring issues. For extra certainty, ask your electrician to complete the ‘test and tag’ process. • Check electrical wiring, switchboards, and appliances. Significant fires can start behind appliances so it’s a good idea to check the cords, plugs and sockets of large appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and fridges. We also suggest checking smaller appliances like electric blankets, heaters, irons, and toasters (don’t forget to empty these regularly). If you find any issues, it’s time to call the electrician. • Check that you’ve connected one appliance only to each socket: whether to a single power point or a multi-board, and that you’re not overloading power points with double adapters • Install a fireguard. These prevent embers, sparks, and logs rolling onto the floor and causing significant damage or starting a fire. These simple checks and calling in the professionals could mean a warmer happier winter with no disruption. We can replace a house, but we can’t replace a home; take the time now to prepare yours for winter.