Common Causes of Fire

Kitchen Stoves
Electric Blankets
Faulty Wiring
Smoking in Bed
Lighting
Flammable Liquids
Clothes Dryers
Candles
Home Heating
Children
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Kitchen Stoves:

• Never leave the stove unattended.
• Check that electric cords, curtains, tea towels and oven cloths are at a safe distance from the stove top.
• Be careful of long flowing sleeves contacting gas flames.

Electric Blankets:

• Do not sleep with electric blankets on or leave the house without switching them off.
• Never leave weighty objects on the bed when the electric blanket is on.
• Have your blanket checked by an authorised repairer if you suspect overheating.
• Always follow manufacturer´s instructions for care and storage.
• Inspect each blanket for wear and tear at the beginning of the cooler months.

Faulty Wiring: 

• Always use a qualified electrician.
• Double adaptors and power-boards can overload power points.
• Install safety switches and correct fuses.

Smoking in Bed: 

• Smoking in bed can be fatal - tiny embers can smoulder unnoticed and burst into flame much later.

Lighting: 

• Check light fittings for heat build up.
• Discard lampshades that are close to light globes & lamp bases that can be knocked over easily.
• Ensure recessed downlights are properly insulated from wood panelling or ceiling timbers.

Flammable Liquids: 

• Store all flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits away from heat.
• Always check the label before use and storage.
• Use extreme care when pouring.

Clothes Dryers: 

• Always clean lint filters after each load.
• Avoid drying bras in your dryer as the underwire can get caught and start a fire.

Candles: 

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not sleep with a burning candle.
• Make sure curtains and other flammable items are well away from burning candles.

Home Heating: 

• Make sure all appliances are professionally installed.
• Check that walls and floors are insulated from heat sources.
• Be careful where you place portable appliances.
• Never leave an open fire alight when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Place a mesh guard in front of open fires.
• Have your chimney and flue cleaned annually.
• Never leave children unattended near fires and heaters.
• Clothing should not be dried close to heaters or fires.

Children: 

• Warn all children about playing with fire.
• Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of small children.
• Teach young children to bring matches or lighters they find to an adult immediately.
• Teach older children that matches are a tool to be used in the presence of adults.
• Brief your babysitter on your fire plan - make sure they know all exits and emergency telephone numbers. Make sure the babysitter understands fire survival techniques.