FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is running its Safety Visit program during this year’s Seniors Festival (2-15 March).
The visits are free and are focused on reducing the risk of fires in the home.
According to Coffs Harbour Acting Station Officer Tim George, firefighters visit homes to carry out a fire risk inspection and, where necessary, install free smoke alarms.
“People cannot smell smoke when they are asleep, so having a working smoke alarm is crucial,” he told News Of The Area.
“Our Safety Visit program allows us to improve the safety of some of our most vulnerable community members and make sure they are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.”
During the safety visit, firefighters also offer personalised fire safety advice on devices like heaters, power boards and smoke alarms.
Some simple steps to improve fire safety in the home include:
-Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working order.
-If fire occurs, get out, stay out and dial Triple Zero ‘000’ immediately.
-Have an escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.
-Keep a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit.
-Never ever leave cooking unattended.
-Place drying clothing at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave it unattended.
-If you use a clothes dryer, clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.
-Don’t overload power points and switch off when not in use.
-Always handle candles or any other open flame with care.
-Only use wheat bags for direct application to body aches and pains as wheat bags can ignite, and are not designed to replace hot water bottles for warming beds.
To book a free Safety Visit with FRNSW visit fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.
By Andrea FERRARI
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