State MP for Miranda Eleni Petinos is urging the community to check they have a working smoke alarm as we enter the most dangerous period for residential fires.
Ms Petinos was speaking after Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recently launched its annual Winter Fire Safety Campaign.
Fire and Rescue NSW says there is a 10 per cent increase in the number of residential fires this time of year with more fires in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters, electric blankets and overloaded power boards.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended 3740 residential house fires last year and more than 1500 so far this year, with seven deaths.
Ms Petinos said residents should take precautions to avoid a fire in their home this winter.
"A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke," she said.
"I encourage you to heed the advice of firefighters to ensure that you and your loved ones are home fire safe this winter.
"FRNSW do a great job in protecting our community, however if we all do our bit to minimise the risks in our home, we can all stay safer together."
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said it was important for people to have a working smoke alarm in their home and test it regularly.
"Every year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented," he said.
"Each death is a tragic loss for families, friends and the wider community. Additionally, for each fire fatality, there are also hundreds more people who survive a fire but suffer life-changing health consequences.
"For less than the cost of a takeaway dinner, you can install a smoke alarm which may just save your life and the lives of your loved ones."
FRNSW offers the following safety tips:
- 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
- have a Home Escape Plan
- if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple-0.
Details: For more information about home fire safety click here.
