On average, 3,000 house fires occur every year in Victoria, and most of these are preventable. The information on this page is adapted from the “Home Fire Safety” booklet published by the MFB and covers ways to prevent fire hazards in the bedroom, with heaters, and with electrical appliances.
In general, the risk of fire is higher at night when you are asleep because your sense of smell doesn’t work correctly. Therefore, if you don’t have a smoke alarm, you might not wake up in the event of a fire, or you might realize there’s a fire too late. The information on this page will help you minimize fire hazards in the bedroom by using devices like smoke alarms.
A smoke alarm should be installed in a location outside the sleeping area, and additional alarms should be installed inside each bedroom where someone sleeps with the door closed.
Regarding heating appliances, remember to turn off all portable heaters before leaving the house or going to bed at night.
Additionally, electrical appliances increase the risk of fire. Always pay attention to the instructions when using electrical appliances. Remember that using damaged electrical appliances can lead to a fire. Only use electrical appliances that are in good working condition and are safe.
Smoking in bed is extremely dangerous. Do not smoke in bed.
Ensure that electrical appliances like hair dryers, hair straighteners, and laptops are not left on the bed.
Remember, it is essential to have an additional smoke alarm in every bedroom where the door is closed while sleeping.
Only purchase heat bags that come with instructions and use them according to the instructions.
Turn on the electric blanket 30 minutes before going to bed and turn it off while you are in bed.
The electric blanket should be flat, and the control should be placed on one side of the bed. Regularly check the power cord to ensure it is not cut or frayed.
Clothing and other items should be placed at least one meter away from heating appliances.
Flammable materials should be kept at least one meter away from a heat source.
Chimneys should be cleaned every year.
Children should be supervised and kept at a distance from any type of heating appliance.
Ensure that the heater is installed, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always use a fireguard in front of a fire.
Ensure that there is good airflow around computer monitors, laptops, televisions, and other appliances, and that they are not in an enclosed space or covered.
Use low-wattage light bulbs.
Turn off all electrical appliances at the wall socket when you are not using them.
Only seek help from certified and professional electricians for repairing broken appliances.
Do not use dual electrical adapters.
If you are using a power strip, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never connect multiple electrical appliances to it at the same time, and regularly check that they are safe and in good condition.
