FRNSW REINFORCES SAFETY MESSAGES AFTER FIRE TRAGEDY – - Glendenning
Published: 06 Jun 2022 04:47pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have returned to the scene of a tragic house fire at Glendenning in Sydney’s west to offer their support and crucial winter fire safety advice to local residents.
Firefighters spoke to neighbours about completing their fire safety checklists, ensuring they have working smoke alarms and a suitable escape plan. Some also took up the opportunity to have a new smoke alarm supplied and fitted free of charge.
Despite many homeowners and tenants being well-intentioned and believing they had taken all possible precautions, FRNSW crews identified opportunities for residents to better protect themselves and their families.
“What we’ve seen as a bit of a trend in our visits today is a false sense of security,” FRNSW Metropolitan West Commander Michael Morris said.
“Some residents believe they have a working smoke alarm and when we test them, they’re not working, or the batteries have been removed.
“The residents we spoke to today have been surprised by the very simple things they can do to make themselves safe in their own home.”
June is Fire Awareness Month and FRNSW is reminding residents to ‘Be Safe, Not Sorry’.
Throughout this winter, FRNSW reminds the public to:
- ensure your home’s smoke alarms are fitted and maintained;
- clean heaters and consider replacing old heaters;
- develop an escape plan with your home’s occupants;
- keep looking when cooking;
- don’t overload power boards;
- keep everything a metre from the heater;
- never use wheat bags to warm your bed;
- clean the lint out of your clothes dryer;
- check electric blankets for frayed cords and other damage;
- don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal; and
- if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
Contact your local Fire Station to discuss booking a fire safety visit at your home. Firefighters can check and replace your smoke alarms if necessary.
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter [external link]
Media note: footage of the home fire safety visits and grabs from Cmdr Mick Morris and a resident can be obtained through this link: https://vimeo.com/717408688/43956ac2c5 [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
81 Railway Street, Mount Druitt NSW 2770
222 Richmond Road, Woodcroft NSW 2767
58 Hambledon Rd, Schofields NSW 2762