Electrical appliances

Unplug your small kitchen appliances when not in use. Kitchen fires can easily start from faulty electrical connections or appliance malfunctions. Always stay in the kitchen and monitor your appliances when in use.

• Toasters. Unplug and clean the crumb tray in your toaster regularly to prevent fire during normal use. Remove any crumbs that become stuck to the heating elements. Always unplug your toaster when not in use.
• The heating element on a coffee machine can start a fire if the thermostat jams in the closed position. The heating element will get hotter and hotter until a fire starts.
• Slow cookers have been known to cause fires when left unattended.

Microwave

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and operating your microwave.
• Do not use metal items such as metal containers, foil, or twist ties in a microwave as they can cause arcing which can create a fire.
• Clean the microwave interior and door frame regularly to reduce the chance of fire.

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Do not use a portable stove inside.
• Keep flammable items such as tea towels, oven mitts and curtains away from the cooking area.
• Keep the oven, stovetop, and rangehood filters clean and clear of grease.
• When cooking, heat oil slowly and control any splatter.
• Keep the saucepan lid handy as it can be used to smother a fire.
• Turn off hotplates and ovens when you have finished cooking and before you leave the room.
• Place fire safety equipment such as a fire blanket or extinguisher between the stove and the exit.
• Learn how to use your fire safety equipment.

Putting out a fire in the kitchen

• If cooking oil catches fire, do NOT use water and do NOT pick up the pot. Turn off the heat source, place the lid on the pot or use a fire blanket. Do not remove until the pot has cooled completely.
• If a fire starts in the microwave, immediately turn it off and, if safe, unplug the power cord. Do not open the microwave door until you are sure the fire is out.
• If the fire has spread, evacuate and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are essential items in every home. They should be located near the exit of the kitchen. Make sure you’re familiar with their operation.

Heaters

• Do not hang clothes, towels or blankets on the heater to dry them out or warm them up.
• Always turn off your heater before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Keep everything at least two metres away from heaters as a build up of radiant heat can cause a fire.
• Choose a portable heater with an automatic safety switch that turns off if the heater is knocked over.
• Before the weather gets cold each year, have your heater checked by a licensed electrician.
• Position portable heaters away from areas of heavy traffic.
• Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.

Electric blankets

All electric blankets sold in Australia must comply with strict safety standards (Australian Standard AS/NZS 60335.2.17:2012).

• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have your electric blanket checked regularly by a licensed electrician.
• Throw out electric blankets that are worn or old.
• Turn off the electric blanket when you go to bed or leave the house. Use it only to warm the bed before you go to sleep.
• Do not place heavy objects on the bed while the electric blanket is in use.
• Make sure the electric blanket is tightly secured and laid flat on the bed.
• Store your electric blanket rolled up. Folding can damage the wiring.
• Avoid using electric blankets with young children if bed wetting is possible.
• Never place a baby on an electric blanket. Even at low temperatures, babies can dehydrate and get burns.

Washing machine

• Don’t overload the machine beyond capacity.
• If possible, turn the washing machine off at the wall when not in use.
• Don’t overload power points in the laundry.

Clothes dryer

• Don’t overload the machine beyond capacity.
• Clean the lint filters in clothes dryers after every load.
• Make sure that each load goes through a full cycle, giving the dryer an opportunity to cool down.
• Regularly dust the grill of the clothes dryer to prevent dust build up and overheating.
• Ensure there is proper ventilation and air space around the clothes dryer.
• From time-to-time, clean the lint filter in soapy water to remove any build up of material over the filter.
• If possible, turn the dryer off at the wall when not in use.

Iron

• Regularly check the electrical lead for fraying or exposed wires. Dispose of an iron with a damaged lead or have it repaired by a licensed electrician.
• Do not leave an iron face-down on the ironing-board.
• Unplug steam irons while adding water.
• After use, unplug the iron and place out of reach of children and pets to avoid burn injuries.

Overloaded electrical circuits, faulty electrical equipment and misuse of electrical equipment are common causes of fire.

• Never run extension cords under carpets or rugs – it could over-heat and cause a short circuit that could start a fire.
• Replace any frayed or cracked extension cords.
• Repair or discard malfunctioning electrical appliances immediately.
• If your home is repeatedly blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, engage a qualified electrician to identify the cause. Replacement fuses must be the correct load capacity for the circuit.
• Turn power off at the power point for electrical equipment that isn’t in use.
• Do not place fans, heaters, laptops, computers, televisions or electrical equipment in areas with restricted airflow. They could overheat.
• Do not overload power supplies by connecting double adaptors or linking power boards.
• Use safety plugs in unused power points to prevent accidental contact.
• Consider purchasing surge protection power boards to protect your items from electrical surge.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from water.
• Have small appliances like electric blankets, heaters, hair dryers and fans serviced by a licensed electrician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• When buying second hand appliances make sure they have been tested by a licensed electrician and have been certified as safe.
• Never leave heating tools like hair straighteners unattended. The heating plates on a hair straightener can cause severe burns and potentially cause a fire. Keep out of reach of children.
• Use all electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they can be quite serious whether your tree is living or from a box.

General safety

• Choose a tree that will easily fit into your home.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Make sure the tree is at least one metre away from any heat source, like candles or lights.
• Do not smoke near the tree.
• Use Australian-compliant festive lights and follow manufacturer’s instructions on set up and usage.
• Use indoor and outdoor lights as directed by the manufacturer.
• Replace any string of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Don’t overload power points or power boards with Christmas tree lights.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• Ensure heavy decorations are evenly distributed to avoid the tree falling over.

Living trees

• Choose trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2cm from the base of the trunk to allow for water absorption. Add water to the tree stand.
• Add water every day so the tree does not dry out.
• Dispose of the tree after Christmas or if it becomes dry. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and a fire danger.
• Consider recycling your tree as garden mulch.