Glen Innes firefighters are urging people to take extra care when cooking this festive season as nearly half of all home fires start in the kitchen.
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Station Commander Matt Goldman said enjoying a bit of festive cheer with family and friends can turn nasty if a fire breaks out during celebrations.
“While you enjoy the precious moments with your loved ones, please don’t be complacent as fires can and do happen,” he said.
Commander Goldman said it was easy to be distracted when in the kitchen.
“It is really important to keep looking at your cooking and never leave cooking unattended – even for a moment,” he said.
Commander Goldman said if local residents followed a few simple guidelines, they could avoid a fire in their kitchen this summer.
“We would advise people to install a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen and familiarise themselves with how to use them,” he said.
“Other handy tips would be to turn your pot and pan handles inward (away from children’s reach) and to re-alarm your home with a 10-year lithium battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarm.
“Also service, clean and maintain your barbeque correctly, never put flammable liquid or accelerants on to a barbeque and don’t cook under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
Commander Goldman said decorative lights can also be a fire hazard.
“Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer’s instructions on setting up and operating,” he said.
“When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays, use only one item per power socket and don’t overload power boards or piggyback double adapters.
“Check your fairy lights before use and if wiring, cords or plugs appear damaged, don’t use them.”
If a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
If you need advice or any further information, contact your nearest FRNSW station or visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au.