Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Port Macquarie will be working through the Christmas holiday period to ensure members of the community stay safe.
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Leading station officer Gaven Muller said firefighters are anticipating a huge transient population, with about 100,000 expected to visit the region over the holidays.
Firefighters are urging people to take precautions and undertake a home safety check, to avoid any potential catastrophes.
Traditionally, Mr Muller said firefighters are called to a lot of kitchen fires during the holiday season.
"Fires have started after cooking on stove tops has been left unoccupied, due to people being preoccupied," he said.
He said during the Christmas period, people also tend to cook outside more and it's important to undertake the correct check on gas cylinders, especially if they haven't been used for awhile.
"Check the gas cylinder is in good working order with no cracks or leaks," he said.
During the time of decorations and festivities, safety advice is to only use one item per power socket and don't overload power boards or piggy back double adapters.
Home owners are also being urged to check they have a working smoke alarm on each level of their house.
"We want people to make sure they check they are in working order, given this time of the year many people have guests come and stay," Mr Muller said.
Mr Muller said under no circumstance should fires be lit on the beach.
Firefighters guarantee a response to a triple zero emergency call.
Mr Muller said working over Christmas can be tough, but he said it's part of being an emergency worker.
For more information, people can contact their local station for advice. Alternatively visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website.
Safety tips from Fire and Rescue NSW
Inside
- When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays use only one item per power socket and don't overload power boards or piggy back double adapters.
- For maximum safety if you use a power board, ensure it has both overload protection and earth leakage protection devices incorporated.
- Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating.
- Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords.
- Inspect the plugs and leads of used decorative lights to ensure they are in good working order. If in doubt, replace the lights.
- Decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don't leave burning candles unattended.
- Candles should be used in a safe position away from Christmas Trees or other flammable material and out of reach of children. Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed.
- Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.
- Make sure you have a sufficient number of working smoke alarms throughout your home that are tested regularly and are supported by a written home escape plan in case of fire.
Outside
- If you have a gas, electric or wood BBQ always check that it is in safe working order before lighting and that it is always in the care of a responsible adult when in use. (Barbecue Fire Safety)
- Always keep lighters and matches away from children and educate that they are "tools not toys" to only be used by responsible adults. (Children and Fire Fascination)
- If you have a garage or shed remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels and always refuel mowers, edgers etc when they are cold and in the open. (See Garage/Workshop Chemical Safety)
- If you live in a bushfire prone area keep the ground around your home clear of leaves and other litter and remember to clean your gutters regularly.
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