FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Coffs Harbour is experiencing calls for its service due to situations that might not have arisen if residents had given their place a recent clean-up.
Across the state, FRNSW is encouraging the community to spring-clean responsibly and help reduce the risk of fire on their properties.
“We recently responded to an incident that involved an elderly person sitting on the lounge while the electric blanket on them smouldered enough to set off the smoke detector,” Coffs Harbour FRNSW Station Office Tim George told News Of The Area.
“We were notified by a neighbour who had heard the alarm and was able to see into the unit to see what was happening.
“The occupant was unable to open the security door to evacuate once the neighbour had attracted their attention.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Coffs Harbour members gained entry to the unit, wearing breathing apparatus, removed the faulty electric blanket, and the occupant received treatment from the NSW Ambulance.
“This could have had a very different outcome, had the resident not had a working smoke alarm, as a fire would have occurred if not for a working smoke detector,” Mr George said.
FRNSW shares spring cleaning tips “to keep you and your family safe from fire.”
These include:
Clear out any rubbish, old newspapers, cardboard boxes and any other unused materials that could fuel a fire.
Roll, don’t fold, electric blankets when putting into storage because folding can damage the wiring.
Check the hose and connections on any LPG-fuelled barbecues before use.
Clear leaves and litter from the gutters.
“And make sure you have a working smoke alarm,” Mr George said.
“Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).”
Fire and Rescue NSW encourages residents to book a safety visit.
Local firefighters will come to your home to conduct a fire safety inspection and will install a working smoke alarm, free of charge, if required.
For more tips on keeping fire safe visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au
By Andrea FERRARI
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