Aussie homeowners are often unaware of the many dangers that crop up during end-of-year celebrations that endanger themselves, guests and their residence.
It can be as easy as forgetting something is on the stove during a toast or setting up dodgy Christmas lights, worn down and missing a couple of bulbs that can be fatal.
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Firefighter bosses have warned to keep your home safe during the summer period, you should be doing regular checks — including on things like your Christmas lights. Pic Keryn Stevens
But there are plenty of ways homeowners can ensure their properties — and whoever is in them — are safe over the summer holidays, thanks a number of tips from some of the country’s emergency services.
Christmas Lights
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief executive Jason Heffernan warned last year that wear and tear could mean wires begin to fray, bulbs get damaged and they weren’t in good working order for the tree or your home.
“Turn your lights off before you go to sleep or leave the house to ensure they don’t overheat and consider using battery operated or solar lights that don’t require electricity,” Mr Heffernan said.
Christmas lights are fun, but make sure they’re safe and all the wires and bulbs checked. Photo: supplied
The CFA suggests making sure any Christmas lights you purchase have the Regulatory Compliance Mark tick of approval and checking them for any wear and tear like missing globes or exposed wire.
Also, avoid overloading any power boards and make sure the tree is away from any sources of heat, curtains or furnishings.
Another alternative is to use battery-operated LED or solar lights that don’t require any electricity.
Forgetting about the stove
Mr Heffernan said unattended cooking was one of the most-common causes of preventable house fires.
“We know a fire in your kitchen can cause extensive damage and high-level injuries, and unfortunately we saw this occur four times last year,” he said.
Unattended cooking is one of the most-common causes of house fires.
“We know that 6pm is the peak time for fires, and most are due to unattended cooking or mechanical failure.
“Make sure your kitchen appliances are in good working order, and ensure your stove top, griller, oven, rangehood and cooking area are free from built up grease, dust and oil.”
Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer said it was essential to remain aware and pay close attention to the stove when cooking to reduce the risks of a fire starting in the kitchen.
“Ensuring you don’t leave your cooking unattended may save your life and property,” Mr Fischer said.
“If a fire does start in the kitchen, turn off the stove if it’s safe to do so. Use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket only if you are confident to use them. Evacuate everyone from the home, close the kitchen door if safe to do so, and call triple-0.”
He added that everyone should have a working smoke alarm powered by a 10-year long life battery in all sleeping and living areas of their home.
Prepare your home early
Especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area, there are some chores that can be done at your home before hosting guests.
![Burnt house](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1024 768"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There are plenty of things to do to prepare your home to avoid fire disaster.
Mr Hefferman said simple tasks like clearing gutters, pruning overhanging branches, maintain grass at a safe height and moving wood piles away from your house or shed could greatly improve your property’s chances of withstanding a bushfire.
“By removing light and heavy fuels around your home, you’re protecting your property and helping firefighters defend it,” he said.
Have a fire plan
When a bush fire alert presents itself, staying back and defending your property is a big decision which could turn fatal.
Having a plan and making sure everyone in the household knows about it can pay off in the long run.
Instead, the CFA advises homeowners to leave early to protect themselves, guests and family — not only this Christmas, but always.
Creating a fire plan is one of the most important things you can do this summer as well as regularly checking your state or territory’s fire ratings.
Packing an emergency bag with essentials like fresh batteries, radios, a first aid kit and bottled water that’s near the door could also be part of that plan.
Keep your home safe while your away
If you’re planning on leaving your property over the holidays, there are a number of ways you can keep it safe from burglars.
Securing all access points and boundaries before you go away is important in deterring thieves.
The Victorian Police suggest making sure your house and property boundary are physically secure like all places of entry like doors, windows, gates, sheds and even pet doors.
This includes removing any spare keys hidden around your property and considering installing an alarm system with cameras.
Another safety tip to protect any left behind valuables could be by putting them in a safe prior to your departure, installing ‘find my’ applications on any devices like phones or computers, and putting GPS trackers on any vehicles.
Making sure it looks like someone is home is also a way to keep thieves away.
Homeowners could ask a trusted neighbour to collect their mail or take out and bring in their bins.
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sarah.petty@news.com.au
