Simple safety measures such as checking heaters and electric blankets when taking them out of storage and avoiding overloading powerboards will help prevent house fires each winter, experts say.
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Insurance giant Allianz said they receive more than 400 claims each winter from house-related fires.
"There is a lot of 'this won't happen to me' thinking, particularly in winter where many wouldn't think of fire risk," Allianz's general manager of home and lifestyle, Rachael Poole, said.
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"We have had many customers struck by a house fire simply caused by faulty wiring and of course they didn't see it coming.
"Aussies are naturally so aware of bushfires that they often discount how prevalent home fires can be - especially in winter. With a sharp increase in using heating devices, comes an increase in potential disaster."
Hundreds of fires each year are caused by ignitions inside the house from faulty products such as electric blankets and heaters - particularly older equipment that hasn't been replaced or checked.
"After being folded for a long period of time, electric blankets tend to deteriorate. Heaters gather dust and dirt when they come out of storage and that can serve as a trigger point," superintendent Josh Turner of Fire and Rescue NSW, said.
One man, who only wanted to be identified as Daniel, said he got into bed one evening and was almost burned alive by a faulty electric blanket before being taken to hospital.
"It just combusted whilst I was sleeping and I just woke up on fire, and my bed was on fire," he said.
Mr Turner also urged caution in regards to overloading powerboards, and to avoid using them completely when it comes to heaters, hair dryers, and other heat-related appliances.
"Any powerboard that is used should have a circuit breaker on it, and should come from a reputable company," he said.
Ms Poole said checking fire alarms and any winter-related appliances before use is important.
"Never underestimate the power of a quick check over," she said.
"You may not even be aware of the small fray on the electrical wiring or the build-up of dust inside of the gas heater until you check - even if you have the highest priced heating appliance in your home, if you haven't checked over the items, you are risking your safety."
