FIRE FIGHTERS ISSUE SAFETY MESSAGE AHEAD OF WINTER

With the Hunter receiving its first taste of winter this week, fire fighters have issued a warning to residents to check their heaters and electric blankets.

“They need to check them before they use them to make sure there’s no damage and when they are using them, make sure they’re keeping things at least one metre away from all heating appliances,” said Inspector Brett Crotty from Fire and Rescue NSW.

Around 60 per cent of all house fires in New South Wales occur during the colder months between May and September.

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