Your guide to winter home safety

From checking product recalls to cleaning gutters and chimneys, here are some simple ways to keep your home safe this winter.

It’s the time of year when we typically spend more time indoors cosied up to keep warm and dry. But winter is also a time that poses potential safety risks to your home. Here are some steps you can take to proactively minimise risk.

Inspect heating appliances and products

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, there are more than 1100 house fires every winter, with almost 40% of home fires caused by electrical appliances and faults. So, as the cool weather rolls in and you roll out the heaters, electric blankets and wheat bags, it’s important to do some simple checks:

• Before you plug in any electric heaters, run your fingers over the power leads to look for fraying in the cord, and ensure the plug is secure. (Also note that electric heaters should be plugged directly into a wall socket, not a powerboard, to avoid overloading or tripping your power.) If you detect any issues, contact a professional or replace your powerboard. Do not attempt to DIY it or fix it yourself.
• Electric blanket cords should be given a once-over in the same way, and additionally laid flat to look for fraying, scorch marks, kinks or lumps. Turn the electric blanket on for five minutes before its first use to ensure there are no uneven hot spots. Replace the blanket if you notice any irregularities.
• Wheat bags should be checked for any signs of wear and scorch marks, too, as the fillings can dry out and become more combustible as they age.
• Lastly, if you’re using gas heaters, it’s important to note that these need to be regularly serviced by a qualified tradesperson. The recommendation is for gas heating units to be serviced by a specialist every two years.

Check for product recalls

In 2019, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission reported that over one million recalled products were still in circulation, and encouraged consumers to sign up to the Product Safety Australia website to receive product recall alerts. Given how many house fires and fire damage events are caused by appliances and electrical faults, it makes sense to confirm your heaters, electric blankets, dryers and ovens aren’t on any product recall lists, and sign up for email alerts to stay up to date.

Clean chimneys and smoke alarms

If your home has a fireplace or wood heater, it’s recommended that you get your flues and chimneys professionally cleaned at the beginning of each winter to prevent a build-up of flammable material and potential fire damage Smoke alarms should be vacuumed or dusted every six months to prevent dust particles from interfering with the sensors. Lead or alkaline batteries need to be replaced every year, and lithium batteries every 10 years (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer).

Clear gutters

Now that autumn’s deciduous trees have shed their leaves, it’s possible your gutters are due for a clear-out. Clogged gutters can flood and stagnate, leading to mould, rust, corrosion and water entering your ceiling. This water damage can potentially lead to structural problems in the long term. So arm yourself with a safety ladder, some long gloves and a pair of kitchen tongs, or call in a professional to help you ensure the worst of winter’s weather is being directed away from your home.

Get your home covered this winter with GIO

GIO Home and Contents Insurance can offer peace of mind this winter and help make sure you’re covered for events such as floods, fires and theft. Get in touch today to learn more about our flexible cover options and our dedicated 24/7 claims service through the GIO App and over the phone. Also, eligible policy purchases will get a 10% First Year Online Discount*.

Explore GIO Home and Contents Insurance

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Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available. 

*If you’re eligible for more than one discount, we apply them in a pre-set order to the discounted premium, before government taxes and charges.
^Discount not applicable to GIO Roadside Assist, GIO Home Assist, Excess-free Glass or Domestic Workers Compensation optional covers.