Check your heating

Home owners are being urged to check central heating units, including ducting, to reduce the potential for electrical dangers and fires in winter. Archicentre general manager David Hallett said winter was a danger period as people used heating appliances at a maximum level and it was important to make sure appliances, such as central heating units, electrical heaters and gas heaters, were serviced by reputable professionals. Mr Hallett said Archicentre property inspections could also reveal potential fire hazards with common electrical problems, including defective wiring, unearthed power points and antiquated switchboards without residual current devices installed. He said all home owners should also make sure smoke alarms were working as most fatal fires happened in the home and winter was a high-fire risk time.

Fire prevention tips Ccorrectly install appropriate smoke alarms in effective locations. Test smoke alarms regularly. Install lever handle latches on doors for a quick exit without keys.

Clean the exhaust fan over the stove to remove dust, fat and grease build-up. Remove all extension leads if possible. Always turn off the power points when not in use.

Get rid of double adaptors and reduce use of power boards.

Install safety switches on power and light circuits.

Make sure down-lights are properly installed and not covered by insulation.

Make sure insulation material is not installed over electrical equipment such as exhaust fans and central heating units as it greatly increases the risk of fire.