“Keep looking when cooking” fire safety message issued ahead of winter

May 26th, 2015

Appliance News Environment, Energy & Water Saving Ovens & Cooking

Fire authorities have issued warnings about kitchen safety as part of a winter risk management campaign.

Nine people have died in house fires since January, while figures show firefighters respond to more than 1,200 house fires between June and September each year – an average of 102 a week.

Authorities have urged people to be aware of fire hazards in the kitchen.

Authorities have urged people to be aware of fire hazards in the kitchen.

Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott, said almost 50 per cent of house fires start in the kitchen, and has urged households to take simple measures to ensure their safety.

“It can take just three minutes for a kitchen fire to take hold but only seconds to prevent one,” Mr Elliott said.

Fire damage costs an average of $51,000 per insurance claim, according to new data from GIO, and NSW fire chiefs are calling on residents to “keep looking when cooking” this winter.

NSW Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Jason Heffernan said even small fires can have “a devastating emotional, financial and physical impact”, and Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Brown added: “People need to be attentive in the kitchen and throughout their home this winter.”

Speaking at the launch of the annual winter fire safety campaign, authorities made a series of recommendations aimed at reducing the risks around the home.

Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

On top of remaining vigilant when using cooktops, ovens and microwaves, the advice includes:
Keep your oven, rangehood and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of grease and fat can ignite in a fire.

  • Ensure items are kept at least one metre from heaters.
  • Do not overload power points.
  • Don’t leave open flame materials, such as cigarettes and candles, unattended.

For more information, visit the NSW Fire Service’s Home Fire Safety page.

All the way from the UK, Kevin is our multicultural offering on the content team. A journalist and video editor, Kevin is our man with a handy cam, charged with interviewing and filming anyone and everything appliance related. His Essex roots provide a quirky, if not always coherent, take on the huge amount of product news, reviews and launches we try to stay across here at Appliances Online. His passion for playing and watching sport is only matched by his desire succeed as one of the first digital content journalists working within the exciting and expanding world of online retail. Kevin's favourite appliance is a Beefeater BBQ as it enables him to fully assimilate into the Aussie lifestyle, but still maybe with a preferred warm beer in hand.

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