Clarence Valley residents are being urged to “be safe, not sorry” this winter.

With a 10 percent increase in the number of house fires occurring during the cooler months, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging communities across the state to ensure their homes and properties are fire safe this season.

Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Captain Garry Reardon said there are more fires in bedrooms and loungerooms at this time of the year due to a higher number of heaters, electric blankets, and other electrical heating devices being used.

“Over winter, we see a spike in home fires, fire-related fatalities, and injuries,” he said.

“It only takes three minutes for a fire to take hold in your home, filling your home with deadly smoke.

“We strongly urge residents to take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

While local firefighters remain committed to reducing the risk of home fires and protecting the irreplaceable, Captain Reardon said the best way to stay out of harm this winter is to take measures to prevent a fire from occurring in the first instance.

“It is vitally important for people to have a working smoke alarm in their home, and to test it regularly,” he said.

Other safety measures Clarence Valley residents are being encouraged to adhere to include:

Remain vigilant when cooking and ensure ovens, stovetops, and hotplates are turned off when not in use.

Do not overload power boards.

Ensure all household items and furnishings are kept a metre away from working heaters.

Never use wheat bags to warm your bed.

Check electric blankets for frayed cords and other damage.

Don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home.

Have a Home Escape Plan (HEP) and ensure all residents abide by it.

Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out, and call Triple Zero (000). 

This winter, Clarence Valley residents can also protect themselves and their loved ones by using the Get Ready for Winter checklist online at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter

Captain Reardon is also encouraging locals to book a fire safety visit.

“Firefighters will attend your home and check that you have working smoke alarms that are in good working condition, and that they are installed in suitable areas,” he said.

“If you don’t have one, firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm as well as replace existing smoke alarm batteries at no cost.”

Captain Reardon said firefighters will also ask homeowners to show them around, allowing them to offer personalised fire safety information.

Further information regarding fire safety visits can also be sourced from the aforementioned website.