Stay safe and cosy this winter

Most of us need a little heat to survive a Tasmanian winter. Whether it's a wood heater, heat pump or electric heater, there are things to consider first to ensure we're keeping ourselves and our families safe.

Some essential tips to help you stay safe this winter

• Don’t place clothing or any flammable material too close to heaters – it should be at least two metres from any source of heat.

• Never leave clothes near the heater if you're leaving the house or going to bed.

• Check clothing regularly if drying near a heat source.

• Use fire screens at all times with open fires.

• Don’t sit too close to your heat source.

• Don’t leave your wood heater door open or remove screens on open fires.

• Be careful with the disposal of ashes from the hearth or wood heater. Ashes can take up to five days to cool. Always place ashes in a metal container. Dispose of ashes well clear of your home and pour water over them.

• Never use an outdoor heater indoors.

• Ensure you turn off your electric blankets when not needed.

Maintenance is key

• Heating systems, including furnaces and heat pumps, should be inspected and serviced by a professional in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

• Clean your heat pump filters regularly to ensure maximum efficiency.

• Ensure all heating equipment is free of dust.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent buildup.

• Test your smoke alarms monthly, and replace batteries at least once a year.

Refresh your family on your fire escape plan

It's not just the summer months where we need to have a plan. Ensure your family know what to do and where to go if a fire was to break out in your home, and smoke alarms were to activate. If you haven't yet made a home fire escape plan, visit the Tasmania Fire Service website to help get you started.

Ensure your family are aware of any fire blankets and extinguishers in the home, and where they can find them. But never attempt to combat a dangerous fire. Always dial 000, so emergency services can safely assist.

Check your insurance cover

Don't leave it too late. Ensure your insurance cover is up to date, and your sum insured is appropriate to your needs. To help guide you to a sum insured appropriate to your needs, visit our Home and Contents calculators.

Together, let's brace ourselves and our homes for a safe and cosy winter.