Fire and Rescue NSW has officially launched its 2021 winter fire safety campaign, offering free visits to address fire dangers in your home.
During the free safety visits, firefighters will check whether your home has working smoke alarms and if the alarms are installed in suitable areas.
If there are no smoke alarms, they will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm and replace existing smoke alarm batteries at no cost.
Along with the smoke alarm check, the firefighters can also give personalised fire safety information around the house and provide advice on a fire escape plan.
Wallsend Fire Station has sent a clear message to community members regarding winter safety.
“Our message to you is stay out of harm this winter.
“This message is to remind the community to look out for themselves and their loved ones.
“Each year, on average, close to 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented.
“Almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes and have a devastating effect on the family involved and the community.
“With winter a critical time for fire prevention and education due to the spike in home fires, fire-related fatalities and injuries, it’s never been more important to be prepared.”
A recent study performed by QBE Insurance revealed that 73 per cent of Australians engage in behaviour that exposes them to risks of house fires.
The research also found that four in five Australians are unprepared for household fires, with over 80 per cent lacking a home fire evacuation plan.
QBE claimed that five in seven Australians engage in one of the top five risky behaviours common in cooler weather.
The top risks include not emptying the lint filter in tumble dryers, charging devices in bed, leaving cooking unattended, slacking off on kitchen cleaning and neglecting to check heaters for safety.
To book in a safety visit with your local fire station visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website.
Hayley McMahon