THE CFA wants to make sure residents do not “power a house fire” through appliances overheating or being damaged.
CFA manager community safety Jude Kennedy said using damaged electrical equipment and appliances could result in fires and urged that they be checked before being plugged in.
“People need to remember that when electrical appliances are left on for an extended period of time they could overheat and have disastrous effects,” Mr Kennedy said.
“We are urging residents to check their electrical appliances, including laptops and televisions, which are highly used in homes.
“Make sure you turn off and unplug your electrical appliances before going to bed and when leaving your home unattended.”
Electrical appliances safety tips:
- Follow manufacturers’ instructions when using any electrical appliance.
- Use low wattage globes in lamps.
- Ensure monitors, laptops, televisions and other equipment have good air flow around them and are not in confined spaces or covered.
- Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use.
- Only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair damaged or faulty electrical appliances, wiring or equipment.
- Avoid using double adaptors.
- Use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload and check regularly for damage.
Meanwhile, on another fire front, expressions of interest are being sought from anyone interested in joining the Bushfire Strategy Advisory Group.
Agencies that manage bushfire risk in Victoria are developing the next strategic bushfire management plan for the greater Melbourne region and calling upon those affected by bushfire or interested in bushfire management to nominate to be a part of the advisory group that will help shape the plan.
“Bushfires are a part of life in Victoria. Our changing climate means our bushfire threat is constantly increasing,” Forest Fire Management Victoria regional manager, forest and fire planning, Shannon Devenish said.
“Our community is filled with many diverse voices and we want to ensure we are listening to all stakeholders as we develop the next generation of planning for bushfire risk in our region.
“Many people are invested in our bushfire prevention works, whether by smoke from planned burning affecting their business activities, or by living in a high bushfire risk area. It’s important to us these groups are represented in the plan.
“We are particularly hoping to receive expressions of interest from people with an interest or investment in agriculture, animal welfare, bees and beekeeping, community safety, stakeholder behaviour in emergencies, cultural heritage, the environment, bushfire behaviour, forestry, tourism and recreation, and wineries.”
The advisory group will help identify several combinations of bushfire management strategy while the final decision and endorsements will be made by agencies with legislative accountability.
For more information email forestfire.planningpp@delwp.vic.gov.au. Submissions close on Friday, 29 June.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 27 June 2018