As Australia heads into Winter, the risk of a potential fire in the home, office or other places of business can increase due to the use of heaters, higher consumption of electricity, and other factors. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a residential or commercial building, there are some things you can do to stay fire-safe heading into winter and that’s what we’ll be covering in this article.
Ensure Fire Alarms Are Installed, Inspected, and Working Perfectly
In Australia, both commercial and residential buildings need to have an adequate number of fire alarms or smoke alarms installed for the safety of occupants. They also need to be the right fire alarms. Different states can vary slightly in their fire safety regulations, so enlist the help of an expert. For example, if you’re in Brisbane, Queensland, then search for fire protection services Brisbane and have an expert install or inspect your fire alarms. Remember that fire alarms provide an early warning system and could save a life.
Tips For Using Heaters
One of the key reasons why the risk of fire in Australia increases in winter is the use of heaters. Before winter arrives, do some maintenance on your heaters. Chances are, they’ve collected some dust over the warmer months and dust can certainly provide fuel for fire on any appliance that generates heat.
It might even be a wise idea to have a technician check over your heaters to ascertain that they are in perfect working order and that wiring and electrical components are safe.
Always remember to turn heaters off when unattended or not in use.
Be Careful Of Electric Blankets
Over the years, many fires in homes have started due to a fault in an electric blanket. If you do use electric blankets, make sure they are not too old and that there is no damage to the blanket or its wiring. Once again, always remember to switch off electric blankets in the morning or when not at home.
Clear Debris Away From Buildings
Winter is typically a drier time of the year in Australia, which means things like rubbish and deadwood dries right out and can become more prone to igniting from sparks, discarded cigarette butts, and so on.
Whether it’s your home or a commercial building, ensure all debris is located well away from the building or, better yet, get rid of it altogether. This doesn’t just include trash, but also dead trees, piles of dried leaves. Anything that is a combustible material.
Don’t forget the building’s guttering either, as lots of dry debris, such as twigs and fallen leaves, build up in the gutters.
For indoor areas like kitchens, keep the area tidy and the surfaces free from fats and oils. Never store rubbish close to a stove or oven. Just small common sense things can go a long way toward creating a more fire-safe environment.
Have An Electrician Inspect Your Wiring
This applies to both residential and commercial buildings. Before winter arrives, organize for your electrician to perform a routine inspection of the premises to ensure everything is as it should be. If a PowerPoint or some old wiring that’s a hazard needs to be replaced, the electrician will pick up on this during the inspection.
Always Enlist the Help and Advice Of Fire Safety Professionals
During autumn, arrange for fire safety and protection specialist to come by and inspect the premises to ensure it’s fire safe heading into winter. They’ll be able to offer you advice on fire safety, as well as make suggestions on what can be done to get your place fire-safe.
Go online and search for a reputable company in your location, as per the following examples:
- Fire protection services Brisbane
- Fire safety companies in Sydney
- Melbourne fire protection services
- And so on…
The Wrap
Fire safety is important all year round in both residential and commercial buildings, but it can be even more vital during the winter months. If you’re ever in any doubt regarding fire safety, enlist professional help. Whether it’s fire protection services in Brisbane or any other location in the country, there is always an expert on hand to provide professional assistance.
