Keep your family safe this winter

Many people are at home more during the winter season. The use of fires, candles and portable heaters during this time all contribute to an increased risk of fire.

Recent statistics show that winter house fire claims doubled in the last year.

Make sure your family stays safe during the winter season by following the fire safety tips below:

• Test your smoke detector every month and replace batteries once a year
• Make sure all family members know where your fire extinguisher is located
• Ensure the family knows what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room and choose a safe meeting place outside the house 
• Close your bedroom door when you sleep, but make sure you install a smoke detector in your bedroom as well. This will keep heat and smoke out of your bedroom, giving you additional time to escape
• Keep heaters at least one metre from anything that may burn and always turn them off when you leave home or go to sleep
• Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy
• Ensure your chimney is swept regularly as accumulated dirt is a fire hazard, particularly for metal chimneys
• Store matches and lighters where kids can't reach them

If a fire starts in your home be sure to call 111 immediately and let State know of any damage as soon as possible.