NSW firefighters and police are urging the community to ensure they protect their home from fire and thieves this Christmas.
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)’s Superintendent Ian Krimmer and NSW Police Force’s Corporate Sponsor for Crime Prevention, Acting Superintendent Steve Henkel, urged residents to take a few precautions to make their home safe throughout the holidays.
Superintendent Krimmer urged people to take care in the kitchen and barbeques over the festive season.
“Summer is a time for celebrating the festive season and the start of the New Year, and many of us cook big meals for our family and friends,” Supt Krimmer said.
“It is also the time of year when people get distracted when cooking – kitchen fires account for more than half of all residential fires, and we see an increase in the number of fires involving barbecues at this time of year.
“More often than not, the cause of those fires is that cooking has been left unattended.
“If you are going away, remember, fires can, and do, occur in unoccupied houses and units – ensure you prepare your home before you leave by switching off and unplugging electrical appliances and make sure smoke alarms are working,” Supt Krimmer said.
Supt Henkel said for those who celebrate away from home, it is important to assess your home security.
“Whether you are going away for a day or several weeks this summer, your home needs to be properly secured to avoid a financial and emotional disaster,” A/Supt Henkel said.
“Home security can be as simple as making it difficult for someone to gain entry by using key operated locks on all doors and windows.
“Each time you leave your home unattended, take a few minutes to check and re-check doors and windows are secured – an unlocked window in an empty home, full of valuables, is an opportunistic thief’s dream.
“Also, limit the information you post on social media about your holiday or a day out – never post how long you’ll be away for.
“If you are celebrating at home, secure doors and windows in areas that are unoccupied, especially parts of the house that are visible from the street,” Supt Henkel said.
Holiday home safety and security tips:
Let a trusted neighbour or family friend know of your whereabouts and contact details. Ask them to watch your home, empty your mailbox, mow your lawn and, most importantly, call Triple-Zero (000) if they notice anything suspicious or if the smoke alarm activates.
Dispose of Christmas wrapping and delivery/goods packaging carefully. Don’t advertise your new valuables to would-be thieves.
Lock away your handyman/gardening tools, which may be used to force open doors or windows, and any item that may be used to gain access to the property or cause damage.
Record descriptions, models and serial numbers of your valuables and then put them somewhere safe.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, prepare your home properly – a full preparation checklist can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Switch off and disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and IT equipment.
Ensure any electrical items you decide to leave on continuously, or on timer circuits, are in good working order – that includes lights left on to deter thieves both inside and outside.
Test your smoke alarms and change batteries, if required, to ensure they function.
Before you leave, close all internal doors to help contain any fire that might occur.
Then, check your doors, windows and garage are locked securely, and remove spare keys from hiding places. As you leave, check everything again.
Finally, if you have a home security alarm, activate it.
Further security tips and information can be found at: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/crime_prevention
For more fire safety tips, please visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au
