Bedroom Fire Safety

Electrical safety is the number 3 cause of home fires in Tasmania and many house fire start in the bedroom.

Electric Blankets

• Switch off before getting into bed.
• Switch off when not at home.
• Keep blanket flat and tied firmly to the bed.
• Never use if wet, soiled or creased.
• Do not use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.
• Do not place heavy objects on an electric blanket if switched on.
• Never fold if storing, as you may damage the wiring.

Replace your blanket if it shows any of the following danger signs

• Frayed or worn fabric or scorch marks.
• Exposed elements.
• Creasing or folding.
• Soiling/damp patches.
• Tie tapes damaged or missing.
• Damaged electrical cord, plug or controller.

As a final check, switch onto high for 10 - 15 minutes.

Run your hand over the blanket to check for hot spots which indicate that the elements may be damaged.

General

• Don’t smoke in bed.
• Light globes are hot.
• Fit bedside lamps with a compact fluorescent bulb.
• Don’t put material over the lamp.

Smoke alarms

Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom

• You should install a photoelectric smoke alarm in each sleeping area (bedroom) hallway living area and the top of stairways in a multi-level home. Smoke alarms should be supported by a home fire escape plan.
• Test alarms monthly.
• Vacuum dust from alarms every six months.
• Replace batteries once a year. Some alarms have 10 year lithium batteries that do not need replacing every year.
• Mains powered smoke alarms also have back-up batteries - check with the manufacturer if your model has batteries that need to be replaced regularly, or whether it has a re-chargeable battery.
• Young children are likely to sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm, so you must alert them to a fire and help them escape to safety.