ERGON Energy Network and Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) are urging holidaymakers to prevent house fires by switching appliances off before heading off these holidays.
Homes left unattended while the residents are away can become susceptible to fires, experts from both organisations said.
QFES Manager State Fire Investigation Unit Daren Mallouk said, “last Easter school holiday period alone, firefighters attended nearly 80 residential structure fires in Queensland, many of which were caused by faulty electrical appliances.”
“Fires in electrical appliances are often caused by overheating or a simple fault and can quickly spread to the rest of the property.”
Ergon Work Group Leader Jade Baker said the best way to prevent an electrical fault in a home while it’s unattended is to simply switch off appliances.
“By methodically going from room to room and turning off appliances at the wall while you’re away rather than leaving them on standby mode, holiday makers will minimise the chances of potentially dangerous electrical faults,” Mr Baker said.
“People lucky enough to be going away for an extended period should also consider cleaning out and switching off fridges and turning hot water systems off at the switchboard.
“By taking a few precautions before heading away on holidays, you can leave with peace of mind knowing you’ll return to your home just as you left it.”
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