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Electrical faults are a major cause of house fires in Australia. Reduce the risk in your own home by regularly inspecting electrical leads, cables, and cords for damage and keeping household appliances clean and free of dust. Get into the habit of emptying the lint filter every time you use the tumble dryer, as the lint can catch fire, and don’t forget to remove breadcrumbs from the toaster.
Avoid overloading power boards and place them on their side, so dust doesn’t collect in the unused power points*. If you don’t have enough power points or a fuse often trips, call in a licensed electrician for some expert advice. Don’t leave appliances on when you’re not home and turn them off at the wall before going to bed.
A warm home is a healthy home, but heating can be dangerous. Before winter begins, have the chimney of your wood heater professionally swept. (Make a note to do this every year.) Keep firewood, fire starters and matches at least one metre away from the fireplace, and always use a fire screen in front of an open fire (and enclosed wood heaters if small children are around).
Create a simple and straightforward safety plan so your family can react quickly in the event of a house fire. Test smoke alarms at least twice a year (replace batteries if needed) and vacuum alarms to remove dust. Use specialised smoke alarms (these include strobe lights and an under-pillow vibrating pad) for the hearing impaired.
Prune back dead or weak tree branches, as these could fall and damage your property – or a person! Clear all gutters regularly, especially after autumn, as a build-up of debris can provide fuel for house and bush fires; this build-up can also lead to leaks, mould and nesting animals.
Falling is a primary cause of injury hospitalisations and death in Australia**. To keep the outdoor area in check, pressure wash moss from slippery paths, light up hazardous areas like outdoor steps, and use bright sensor lights to illuminate major thoroughfares. Some smart sensor lights can even be turned on and off remotely with a smartphone or other smart device.
Check out these affordable heaters to keep you snug.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
