Prep your home for winter safety
- Shelley Kleinhans
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
As we stay warm at home, winter is when house fires are most common, and many of them can be prevented with a bit of preparation. By taking a few simple steps now, we can help protect our homes, our families, and our neighbours.
Why winter fire safety matters
More heaters, more risk
As we bring heaters and electric blankets back into daily use, it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order and used safely. Things like placing heaters too close to curtains or overloading power boards can quickly become hazards.
Fireplace and chimney maintenance
If you use a wood heater or fireplace, regular cleaning and checks are essential. Built-up soot can cause chimney fires, and blocked flues can lead to dangerous gases building up inside the home.
Looking out for each other during fire season
Even in winter, bushfire risks don’t disappear. Keeping gutters clear and yards tidy helps reduce the chance of ember attacks and makes it easier for firefighters to protect homes if needed.
Early warning saves lives
Fires often happen at night, so working smoke alarms are critical. Having a simple, well-practised escape plan can make all the difference in an emergency.
Simple ways to prepare your home
Here are some practical steps we can all take this season:
Check your heating:
Have heaters, fireplaces, and flues inspected and cleaned if needed.
Keep space around heaters:
Leave at least one metre clear of furniture, curtains, and clothing.
Clean your gutters:
Remove leaves and debris to reduce fire risk.
Test alarms:
Make sure smoke alarms are working and replace batteries if needed.
Tidy up around the home:
Clear dry leaves, trim overhanging branches, and keep grass short.
Use electrical appliances safely:
Check cords and avoid overloading power boards.
Store firewood safely:
Keep wood piles and other flammable materials well away from the house.
Use fireplaces carefully:
Always use a fire screen and fully extinguish fires before going to bed or heading out.
Seal gaps and vents:
Small improvements can help keep embers out.
Make a family plan:
Talk through and practise how everyone would get out safely in an emergency.
A little preparation now can go a long way in keeping our community safe this winter. If you have neighbours who might need a hand—especially older residents—consider checking in and helping them get prepared too.
Shelley’s been living her best mountain life since 2018, building up a small holding with her husband and somehow keeping it all together as a part-time bookkeeper. When she’s not wrangling numbers, she’s out saving the day as a Community First Responder and Rural Fire Fighter—no big deal. She’s also a founding member of the Mountain Community Network (because of course she is) and runs her own sewing biz, That’s Sew Shelley, fixing hems and saving wardrobes one stitch at a time.
Comments