ENERGEX have warned residents who feel the cold in the winter to take care with older heating appliances.
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Energex spokesman Paul Jordon said some appliances, including heaters and electric blankets, posed fire and electrocution hazards when kept in storage for long amounts of time.
“The problem is these appliances can sustain damage while in long-term storage and when plugged in can cause house fires, electric shock injuries or worse,” he said.
A faulty electric blanket is believed to have caused a house fire at Victoria Point two years ago.
Mr Jordon urged people to check devices for frayed cords, exposed wires and other obvious damage before use.
“If the appliance is damaged in any way either have it repaired by a qualified technician or simply throw it out because the life of a family member is worth much more than the $30 you can replace some of these items for,” he said.
Top tips to keeping safe in winter
- switching heaters and electric blankets off before leaving a room or going to sleep and ensuring youngsters are never left unsupervised with these appliances running.
- keeping heaters well away from flammable items such as curtains, clothes or furniture.
- never using heaters in wet areas such as bathrooms.
- making sure heaters cannot be knocked over by people or pets.
- ensuring heating appliances are stored in dry area and away from vermin when not in use.
