Windsor firefighters urge residents to ‘be safe, not sorry’ this winter

With a 10 per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging communities across NSW to ‘be safe, not sorry’ this winter by being home fire safe.

Captain Kim Roche of Windsor Fire Station said at this time of year there are not too surprisingly more fires in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters and electric blankets.

“Over winter, we see a spike in home fires, fire-related fatalities and injuries,” Captain Roche said.

“It only takes three minutes for a fire to take hold in your home, filling your home with deadly smoke.”

“We urge residents to take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Captain Roche said firefighters are committed to reducing the risk of home fires and to protecting the irreplaceable.

“The best way to stay out of harm this winter is to take measures to prevent a fire from occurring in the first instance,” he points out.

“It is vitally important for people to have a working smoke alarm in their home and to test it regularly.”

Other safety measures include:

• keep looking when cooking

• don’t overload power boards

• keep everything a metre from the heater

• never use wheat bags to warm your bed

• check electric blankets for frayed cords and other damage

• don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal

• have a Home Escape Plan

Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).

This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist – https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter.

For more information about home fire safety, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter

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