Welcome to the August Newsletter from Neighbourhood Watch. With a few weeks left of cold and wintery weather, here are a few pointers on keeping you and your family safe using heating and other electric appliances.
Winter items such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters can cause burns and other injuries. Ensuring that these items are safe to use and kept in good working order by following manufacturers’ instructions, especially keeping them clean and dust-free.
Keep a minimum of one metre (ideally two metres) clearance around all heating appliances, including space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves, to prevent fires. Using appropriate fire guards makes open fires and heaters safe when children and pets are around. Also ensure that furniture and curtains are kept well away from open flames and other heat sources.
If you have and open fire or gas heating, adequate ventilation is essential to reduce harmful emissions. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, particularly near sleeping areas, and test them monthly. It is also important to keep your smoke alarms dust free and to test them monthly to ensure they are working effectively.
A quick check of electric blankets for any damage to cords or plugs each time you change your sheets will safeguard against accidents, and always supervise children, the elderly, or those with limited mobility when using electric blankets.
Remember that it is unsafe to use heating or cooking appliances that are designed for outdoor use in the confines of your home. These give off noxious fumes which are odourless and can cause death.
For a comprehensive checklist on keeping your home fire safe, go to the NSW Fire and Rescue Winter Fire and Safety Checklist at https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/gallery/files/pdf/community/Get%20Ready%20For%20Winter%20Checklist.pdf Keep warm and keep safe!
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