On this page:
- General key messages
- Metre from the heater
- Turn heater off
Heaters can be fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, an open fire, wood heater/slow combustion or portable heaters including electrical, gas and kerosene. Fires caused by heating increase during the winter months.
General key messages
- Winter is the peak time for heater fires.
- Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating.
- Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
- Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room.
- Choose low fire-risk children’s nightwear styled to be close fitting and made of less flammable material. Look for the fire risk label.
- Turn off all heating and extinguish open fires before leaving home or going to sleep.
Further key messages specific to Gas Heaters
- Ensure gas heaters are serviced every two years.
- Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Further key messages specific to Open Fires (eg. fire place or wood heater)
- Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.
- Keep wood and other combustibles at least one metre from fire.
- To reduce the risk of fire starting from your fireplace or wood heater you should:
- Use a torch to check for creosote build-up or obstructions.
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned annually.
- Only burn dry, clean wood.
- Extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Metre from the heater
Key Messages
- Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating.
- Never leave flammable items near heaters or open flames.
- Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
Facebook/Instagram Post 1
Feeling the chill at the moment?
While heating your home, it's important to make sure that nothing flammable is left near heaters or open flames.
Always dry clothes at least one metre from the heater to ensure you have a safe (and warm!) home.
Find out more at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire
Twitter Post 1
Feeling the chill at the moment?
While heating your home, it's important to make sure that nothing flammable is left near heaters or open flames.
Always dry clothes at least one metre from the heater to ensure you have a safe (and warm!) home.
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire
Facebook/Instagram Post 2
Have you felt today's wintery blast?
With more people indoors, and the weather cooling down it is more important than ever to ensure you’re safely heating your home.
Keeping flammable items away from heaters and open flames will help keep your home safe (and warm).
More tips on staying safe this winter in your home www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire
Twitter Post 2
With more people indoors, and the weather cooling down it is more important than ever to ensure you’re safely heating your home.
Keeping flammable items away from heaters and open flames will help keep your home safe (and warm).
For more info, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire
Download links to content below:
Turn heater off
Key Messages
- Winter is the peak time for heater fires.
- Turn off heaters before going to bed.
- Never leave portable heaters unattended. Turn off before going to bed or leaving the house.
Facebook/Instagram
Do you sleep with your heater on overnight?
Many residential fires that result in fatalities and/or serious injuries start in sleeping areas. Often these fires are associated with heating appliances.
Tip! Get yourself an extra blanket and make sure you turn heaters off at the wall before you go to bed.
Twitter
Do you sleep with your heater on overnight?
Many residential fires that result in fatalities and/or serious injuries start in sleeping areas. Often these fires are associated with heating appliances.
For more info, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire
Download links to content below:
Page last updated: Monday, 10 July 2023 10:06:05 AM