Published on Friday, 3 July 2026 at 9:39:23 PM
Winter Warmth Without the Worry: Protecting Your Home from Fire
As the temperature drops, it’s natural to pull out the heaters, extra blankets, and electronics to stay cozy. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings a significantly higher risk of home fires.
Fire moves terrifyingly fast. A single room can be completely engulfed in just a few minutes—often long before the fire brigade has time to arrive. The good news? The vast majority of these fires are completely preventable.
Here are our top strategies for keeping your household safe this season:
1. Maintain Your Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms are non-negotiable. They act as your early warning system, buying you and your family the precious minutes needed to escape. Remember to test them regularly so you know they will sound when you need them most.
2. Map It Out: Your Home Fire Escape Plan
In a crisis, panic often takes over, and it becomes hard to think clearly. Having a practiced escape plan is vital, especially if you have children. Practicing your plan turns a terrifying situation into an instinctive response.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) recommends keeping the following in mind:
- Know your exits: Identify at least two ways out of every room, including windows.
- Keep keys handy: Ensure all doors and windows can be opened easily from the inside. If they require a key, keep that key immediately accessible.
- Pick a meeting spot: Choose a designated safe area outside, like the letterbox or a large tree, where everyone knows to gather.
If a fire breaks out, remember the golden rules:
- Get out immediately through the nearest safe exit.
- Crawl low under the smoke.
- Head straight to your designated meeting spot.
- Call 000 and wait for the fire brigade. Be prepared to tell them exactly where the fire started, the layout of your home, and if anyone is missing.
- Never, under any circumstances, re-enter a burning building.
3. Handle With Care: Lithium-Ion Batteries
As we highlighted last month, lithium-ion batteries are currently a leading cause of house fires in WA.
Whether it is a phone, laptop, or e-scooter, safe charging is critical:
- Don't overcharge: Unplug devices once they hit 100%.
- Keep it flat and hard: Never charge devices on soft, flammable surfaces like beds or couches.
- Stick to the original: Only use the charger specifically designed for your device.
- Inspect for damage: Never use a battery, device, or charging cable that is swollen, cracked, or frayed
For more detailed information on keeping your home safe this winter, please visit bit.ly/4aWwa9S.
Stay safe and stay warm!
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