By Mitchell Clarke
The CFA are urging people to ensure their electrical appliances are in good working condition before plugging them in this Winter.
More time is spent indoors during these colder months and the CFA want to completely reduce the risk of house fires.
CFA Manager Community Safety Jude Kennedy said using damaged electrical equipment and appliances can result in fires.
“People need to remember that when electrical appliances are left on for an extended period of time they could overheat and have disastrous effects,” he said.
“Make sure you turn off and unplug your electrical appliances before going to bed and when leaving your home unattended.
“Only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload and check regularly for damage.”
The CFA released a number of safety tips to help prevent the risk of fire.
Consumers should always follow manufacturers’ instructions when using appliances, use low wattage globes, turn off appliances at the powerpoint when not in use and to only use certified electrical tradespeople.
“Our firefighters don’t want anyone to come home to their house on fire, so spending the time to check your appliances condition and ensuring you turn them off properly is essential.”
