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3. At Home
4. Reduce the risk of fire

Reduce the risk of fire

For a fire to start in a home, it needs an opportunity. There are many sources of fire in the home such as cooking, heating, children playing with lighters/matches and faulty electrics.

While not all risks can be totally eliminated, you can definitely reduce fire risks in your home by limiting the opportunities, so:

• Clean the lint filter of your clothes dryer each and every time you use it.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Don't overload power points and switch off appliances when not in use.
• Always keep lighters and matches away from children and educate them that fire is a "tool not a toy" and should only be used by responsible adults. See Children & fire safety
• In winter take extra care when using heaters, electric blankets or open fires. Never dry clothes on a heater or near a fire.
• If you live in a bushfire prone area keep the ground around your home clear of leaves and other litter. For more information see Bushfire risk.
• If you have a gas, electric or wood barbeque always check that is in safe working order before lighting it. Always ensure that the barbeque is in the safe care of a responsible adult when in use. For more information see Holidays and outdoor.
• If you have a garage or shed remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels. Always refuel mowers, edgers etc when they are cold and in the open. For more information see Gas & chemicals.

Factsheet

For detailed information on reducing the risk for fire around your home see Home fire safety checklist.