OUR homes are our castles but sometimes the place where we feel the safest are far from safe.

The cooler months often see us bringing out old heaters and piggybacking multiple sockets in power points.

This is often true for rental properties which sometimes don’t have power outlets where they work best for everyday life.

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Giacomo Arnott, Acting Captain Raymond Terrace Fire & Rescue NSW told News Of The Area, “As we enter the cooler months of the year, it’s important for people to remember that the majority of house fires start in the winter months.

“If you have a heater in your house, ensure that you have clearance of one metre from the heater.

“Combustible materials can easily ignite if close by.”

Children should not be allowed to get too close to heaters or fires, even ones when melting marshmallows makes it tempting to get nice and close.

When it comes to drying clothes he said, “Do not dry wet clothes using a heater.

“Make sure you check the lint filter in your dryer before using it, as a build up of lint can easily catch alight and mean we have to visit you and put out a fire in your house.”

“Half of house fires in NSW start in kitchens, so always be sure to keep looking when cooking.

“Even a small kitchen fire can have devastating results.

“Make sure you have a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in your house in case there is a fire.”

Now is also a great time to check all your smoke alarms.

“Having a working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a house fire.

“If you’re elderly or disabled, you can contact the Raymond Terrace fire station on 4987 2627 and we can book in a free smoke alarm check for you, similar services are offered by your local Fire and Rescue NSW branch.

“If you follow these safety tips, there will be less chance of us needing to see you this winter,” he said.

Giacomo went on to reassure people that it is okay to not know something, saying the team at Fire and Rescue NSW are happy to take calls on fire safety, and to advise you on how to best make your home fire safe over the cooler months.

By Marian SAMPSON