Robert Scott

Robert Scott Community Engagement Officer CFA spoke to the Rotary Club meeting about Home Fire Safety.
Summer fires cause the loss of 300 lives each year.
Winter fires cause the loss of 400 lives each year.
Every one of those fires was preventable.
Need to take stock on prevention. Most lives lost between 11 pm and 6am and are in the over 60 age group.
40% fires occur in the kitchen, but not one life lost in th kitchen.
Fires in kitchen caused by being distracted when cooking. If phone rings, turn stove off before answering.
Range Hoods - clean filters once a month.
Microwaves - heating wheat bags, read instructions and place a cup of water with bag.
Toasters - empty crumb tray.
Laundry dryers - clean filters after each use. Turning off before cycle completed dangerous as it does not allow dryer to go through cooling stage.
Smoke alarms - change batteries and check lifespan date. Replace alarm after 10 years.
Replace with a photo electric cell smoke alarm which are now available with 10 year long life battery.
Deadlocks - have key in lock or handy.
Lounge room heaters. Slow combustion fires, check flue for rust spots. Open fire, check chimney and mortar.
To clean flue burn 2-3 aluminum cans every 4 to 6 weeks.
Drying clothes in front of open fire have clothes horse 1 metre away from fire.
Flat screen televisions - turn off at power point and allow room for air circulation.
Charging electronic devices during day, nor whilst unattended at night.
Electric blankets - check leads for any discoloration. When using for first time, lay flat on bed and heat on high for 15 minutes. Rub hand over blanket to detect even heat, if hot and cold spots, the blanket is faulty. When not in use roll blanket do not fold.
Kitchen - fire blankets preferable to fire extinguishers.
We are capable of ensuring it does no happen to us.