Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is warning the public not to take dangerous risks to stay warm during the current polar snap that’s gripping Australia’s east coast.
A strong low-pressure system continues to pull cold air from the Southern Ocean near Antarctica this week, generating temperatures up to six degrees below average in the eastern parts of the country.
NSW’s Northern Tablelands
FRNSW is encouraging the public not to engage in risky behavior to heat up homes during the cold snap
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts potential snow flurries as far north as NSW’s Northern Tablelands and into Queensland.
FRNSW is encouraging the public not to engage in risky behavior to heat up homes during the cold snap.
Power board overloads
Heaters should be kept at least a meter away from any materials and furniture in the home to prevent fires and ideally should be plugged into their own sockets to prevent power board overloads.
Three people narrowly escaped a fire that destroyed a house at Doonside, in Sydney’s west, last month when a heater ignited office chairs.
Heaters removed from storage
Under no affairs should outdoor barbecues and heaters be brought inside homes to provide heat
Residents should inspect any heaters removed from storage to ensure they are in good working order and clean them if necessary.
Under no circumstances should outdoor barbecues and heaters be brought inside homes to provide heat.
CO gas in the Wentworthville unit
They generate Carbon Monoxide, an invisible, toxic, odourless, and tasteless gas that can render people unconscious and cause death.
Four people, including a child, were overcome by CO gas in their Wentworthville unit late last month after they brought a BBQ in from their balcony to provide makeshift heating.
NSW experienced in 2022
NSW experienced bitter winter cold snaps, in 2022, there were a record 17 deaths in residential fires
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Paul McGuiggan, said the last time NSW experienced bitter winter cold snaps, in 2022, there were a record 17 deaths in residential fires.
"It’s crucial that every home has at least one working smoke alarm protecting you and your loved ones," said Deputy Commissioner - Paul McGuiggan.
Home fire escape plan
"Half the homes that experienced a fire over the last two winters either didn’t have a smoke alarm or those present weren’t working," said FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Paul McGuiggan, adding "That’s a recipe for disaster because a smoke alarm may well be the only thing that saves you if a fire breaks out."
He continues, "You can’t smell when you’re asleep so a sounding alarm may be your only hope. We also recommend forming a home fire escape plan so all occupants are aware of their best way out in the event of a fire."
