Summer home safety – protecting your property and peace of mind
While fire safety advice often focuses on winter, summer carries its own risks. As temperatures rise, it’s important to remain vigilant, particularly around cooking appliances and electronic devices – two of the leading causes of suburban house fires.
Many incidents occur during cooking – from unattended stoves and barbecues to saucepans with hot oil. Overheating electrical devices, such as malfunctioning air conditioners or batteries, are another common cause.
The good news is that most house fires can be easily avoided by taking simple precautions.
Kitchen fire safety
The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it’s also ground zero for fire risk. Cooking is one of the most common causes of household fires, so it’s important to stay alert and follow a few simple safety practices in the kitchen.
- Never leave your cooking unattended – always keep an eye on pots and pans to avoid accidents.
- Keep your counters and benchtops free from clutter to minimise the risk of mishaps and make sure flammable items like dish towels and paper towels are kept well away from heat sources.
- Regularly clean your cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite easily.
- Finally, keep a fire blanket or extinguisher close at hand and make sure you know how to use it – and remember, never use water to extinguish an oil fire.
Electrical fire safety
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming an increasing fire risk, as they’re found in everything from smartphones to cordless vacuums. In 2024, it was reported lithium-ion batteries caused more than 1,000 fires in Australia, and the number is increasing.
- Charge devices in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and soft surfaces that trap heat.
- Always use the original charger and avoid cheap substitutes.
- Don’t charge devices overnight or when you’re out and avoid overloading outlets. Use power strips with overload protection instead.
- Never “daisy-chain” power boards or plug too many devices into one outlet.
- Check cords and appliances regularly for damage or scorch marks and call a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights or tripping breakers.
Regular home maintenance helps
Regular home maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your family from fire risks. It’s easy to overlook small tasks that make a big difference, but staying proactive can help prevent dangerous situations before they occur.
Start by taking extra care with flammable household items – cleaning products, gasoline and certain paints can ignite easily, so store them in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources.
Keep your clothes dryer vents clean and free from lint buildup, as lint is highly flammable. If your home has a chimney, schedule regular cleanings to remove soot and debris that could spark a fire. It’s also important to inspect your property for structural issues, such as damaged roof tiles or walls, which can allow a fire to spread more quickly.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, test them monthly, and replace batteries annually or as needed. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and garage and check their expiry dates and pressure gauges regularly so they’re ready when needed.
By keeping up with these maintenance tasks and taking preventive measures, you can create a safer home environment and reduce the risk of fire.
Protect your home and your peace of mind this summer. Contact JMD Ross Insurance Brokers today to review your coverage and ensure you’re fully prepared for fire season.
- John Duncan 0418 976 772 jgduncan@jmdross.com.au
- John Davaine 0413 610 523 jdavaine@jmdross.com.au
- Bhavesh Radiya 0414 247 055 bradiya@jmdross.com.au