Winter is coming. The outside temperature is dropping, and soon we’ll be firing up the heaters and digging out the electric blankets. Hot meals, plenty of coffee, and basically doing everything we can to keep our homes warm and comfortable. But while winter brings cosy nights and crisp mornings, it also carries a hidden danger – an increased risk of house fires. Today, we want to talk about how to stay safe from house fires.
Every year, fire services across Australia report a spike in residential fires during the colder months. Last year Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) reported over 450 house fires during the winter period, and unfortunately, some of those were fatal.
At Voltora Industries, we’re passionate about helping Queenslanders stay safe all year round. In this article we want to help you be fire-aware and take practical steps to protect your home and loved ones during winter. Let’s explore why winter is the peak season for residential fires and then dive into some tips on how to prevent house fires.
Why Are There More House Fires in Winter?
What is it with winter? Why does it usher in such a spike in house fire incidents? There are several key reasons:
- Heating appliances can run for hours on end. Gas and electric heaters, fireplaces, and electric blankets can all be fire hazards if not used correctly.
- The air is dry and windows are normally closed. Fires spread more easily in those conditions and can also go unnoticed for longer.
- We rely on electricity a lot in winter. This increased use can lead to overloaded circuits or faulty appliances catching alight.
- We also spend more time cooped up indoors. By law of averages, this raises the likelihood of accidents related to candles, stovetops, and heaters, which can all lead to fires.
Staying safe during winter means taking a proactive approach to managing the risk of fire. Here are eight tips our electricians have put together to guide you.
Eight Tips to Stay Safe From House Fires This Winter
1. Install and Maintain Compliant Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are your first and best line of defence against house fires. They become your silent guardians, staying on the lookout for unusual smoke activity even when you’re asleep. If there’s one takeaway from this article, we hope it’s that you remember to check your smoke alarms are all fully operational.
In Queensland it’s not just a precaution, it’s the law. All homes must have smoke alarms installed in each bedroom, in hallways outside bedrooms and on every level. The alarms need to be:
- Photoelectric (not ionisation)
- Hardwired to the mains power with a backup battery, or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
- Interconnected. This means when one goes off, they all do.
This became law for new builds and major renovations from January 1st 2017, and will be required in all homes by January 1st 2027. For rental properties, the deadline was January 1st 2022.
At Voltora Industries, we want you and your property to be as safe as possible from fire hazards. Our Gold Master electricians install and maintain smoke alarms that will keep your Brisbane home safe and compliant. If you’re a homeowner or landlord, we can also come in and test your system is working in time for winter. If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old and don’t meet the safety standards, we’ll be recommending an upgrade.
2. Have a Fire Escape Plan
Have you ever had a chat about what you’ll do if there is a fire in your home? It’s wise to create an action plan where everybody understands what they have to do and what route to take to escape. Establish a safe meeting point outside.
3. Be Careful With Heaters
Electric or gas heaters are a large cause of house fires. Older ones in particular don’t have very robust safety features when it comes to protecting exposed elements or flames. If you own one, consider upgrading. Whatever portable heaters you own, keep them at least one metre from flammable items like curtains and furniture. Turn them off when you leave a room or go to bed.
4. Be Safe in the Kitchen
Unattended cooking is more of a safety hazard than you’d imagine. Hot oil, flames, water and flammable objects all in close proximity to each other need constant supervision, so don’t leave your cooking unattended! A fire can erupt in a split second – if you’re not there to deal with it, it will spread fast.
5. Clean Out Your Clothes Dryer
That lint that builds up in your clothes dryer is more than just a pesky nuisance – it’s a significant fire risk. It’s highly flammable, and if too much accumulates the heat from the dryer will cause it to ignite.
6. Check Your Electrical Appliances
Our appliances and devices age and experience wear and tear. Regularly check your cords and plugs for damage, and replace them ASAP if there is. If your appliances are getting old, consider an upgrade – modern electrical goods are far more energy-efficient, so it might be worth the upgrade.
7. Don’t Leave Electric Blankets On
Warm your bed before you get in, then switch the blanket off. Overheated blankets are a common cause of nighttime house fires.
8. Install Extra Power Points Where Needed
Over-reliance on power boards or double adapters can be dangerous. If you find yourself using too many extension cords, get a licensed electrician like Voltora Industries to install additional power points.
Stay Safe This Winter with Voltora Industries
When it comes to electrical safety, knowledge is power – but it needs to be backed up by action. If you want to be as safe as possible this winter, start with your smoke alarms. Get our licensed electrical specialists in to ensure they’re up-to-date and working as they should be. We’ll gladly answer any other questions you have about electrical safety.
We’re committed to keeping Brisbane households and businesses safe. Get in touch with Voltora Industries today.
