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SIMON YOUNG
Fire Investigator
“My name is Simon Young, I’m a fire investigator with Queensland Fire & Rescue service.”
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Keeping your house safe during winter. NRMA Insurance logo.
“As a fire fighter you get to respond to the fire calls when the bells go at the station, and now as a fire investigator you get to actually try and piece the puzzle together and try to establish that origin and cause of the fire.
Traditionally we do see more house fires in the winter months. I think because it’s cold you’ll see people spend a lot more time indoors. While they are indoors they are using more appliances, more equipment and that has the potential to cause more fires. Heaters are a big cause; if they are left unattended or used incorrectly they can certainly be a source of ignition. When people position their heaters they should really think about the best location to have them to insure that they are not too close to items or furniture, to curtains. You certainly shouldn’t be using them to dry socks and clothing etc.
People using extra appliances in winter and try to plug these items all in the same power board. They have to be aware that the power boards have limitations, the electrical system in the house has limitations and you really need to insure that items are distributed through the house and the electrical distribution of the house is done in a safe way.
The causes of fires throughout Australia I believe would be very similar. Obviously in the Southern states it’s gonna be colder for longer for the length of time and they may be then using their heaters more often then Queensland.
The most common cause of fires in household is just inattention. If people using appliances they get distracted, they’ll go and do another task and they’ll forget about these items being used and that can sometimes lead to a fire.
The fire safety equipment that is generally required in Australia is have at least one working smoke alarm, a fire blanket in the kitchen and also a fire extinguisher. Also insuring that everyone in the house is aware of how to call 000 in event of an emergency.”
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Winter safety tips.
• Keep fabrics away from portable heaters
• Use one appliance per power point, switch off after use
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Install smoke alarms and regularly check them
• Know how to exit you home safely if there is a fire
For more winter safety tips, click the link in the description below.
NRMA Insurance (http://www.nrma.com.au/home-insurance) is proud to support Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. We thank them for their help in creating this video.
NRMA Insurance www.nrma.com.au
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