Every year, Australians prepare for summer bushfires. We clear gutters, monitor fire danger ratings and make emergency plans because we understand the risks that come with hot, dry conditions.

What many people don't realise, however, is that winter is also a fire season - just a very different one. Every winter we see the same pattern emerge. As temperatures drop, Australians turn off air conditioners and turn to electrical devices to keep warm. More time spent indoors, combined with greater use of portable heaters, electric blankets, fireplaces, wood heaters and kitchen appliances, creates a perfect storm for residential fires. Yet unlike bushfire season, winter fire safety often doesn't receive the same level of attention.

Over winter, house fires increase, and this year we're particularly concerned about the impact rising living costs may be having on household fire safety. Across Australia, households continue to feel the pressure and many families are making difficult decisions about how to manage their household budgets, with energy bills remaining a significant concern as heating use increases through winter.

When people are looking for ways to save money, it's understandable that they are looking for more creative ways to stay warm. They may rely more heavily on portable heaters or, instead of heating the entire home, they may choose to jump into bed with an electric blanket. It might mean plugging multiple appliances into the same power board, using older electric blankets for another season, or heating only one room of the house. However, these approaches can introduce additional fire risks if safety isn't front of mind.

What's particularly concerning is that many of the winter house fires we see are preventable. In New South Wales alone, more than 1,000 residential fires occurred last winter, and almost half of winter home fires in 2024 happened in properties where there was no working smoke alarm or the alarm failed to activate. That's a reminder that having a functioning smoke alarm remains one of the simplest and most important steps people can take to protect themselves and their families. A functioning, quality smoke alarm provides those vital early moments that allow people to wake up, react and escape safely. Yet despite their importance, smoke alarms are often forgotten until they are needed most. With busy lives, the task of staying on top of your alarm maintenance often gets put to the bottom of the list but the truth is that overlooking regular alarm maintenance can be the difference between life and death.

The good news is that smoke alarm maintenance doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. It takes less than 10 seconds to test an alarm and less than 10 seconds to clean it, yet those few moments could provide the early warning needed to escape a fire safely. Replacing an alarm once it reaches 10 years of age is also a relatively small investment compared to the protection it provides.

As we head into the colder months, I'd encourage Australians to check that their smoke alarms are working, inspect heaters and electric blankets for signs of damage, avoid overloading power points and ensure everyone in the household knows what to do in an emergency.

Before using portable heaters or electric blankets each season, check them carefully for signs of wear, damaged cords or loose connections and, if they appear to be damaged, throw them away. Keep heaters at least one metre away from curtains, bedding, clothing and furniture, and always switch them off before going to bed or leaving the house. I’d also suggest choosing a portable heater with an automatic safety switch that turns off if the heater is knocked over. Avoid drying clothes directly on heaters and never overload power boards or extension leads with multiple high-powered appliances.

For households using wood heaters or fireplaces, regular maintenance is equally important. Chimneys and flues should be cleaned before winter to remove soot, while ashes should always be disposed of safely in metal containers away from combustible materials.

Equally important is having a household fire escape plan. Every member of the family should know how to leave the home quickly if a smoke alarm sounds. Identify multiple exit routes where possible, nominate a safe meeting place outside and remember the simple rule: once you're out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000). In an emergency, every second counts.

Winter also provides an opportunity to check in on others. Older Australians may be living alone or have reduced mobility, making early warning even more critical. A simple visit to help test smoke alarms, replace batteries, inspect heaters or review an escape plan could make all the difference for a family member, friend or neighbour.

No one should have to choose between keeping warm and staying safe. While cost-of-living pressures are real, the small steps we take to reduce fire risks don't have to add significantly to household expenses. In fact, many of the most effective safety measures cost little more than a few minutes of our time.

As we settle into another Australian winter, I'd encourage every household to make a small commitment: take 10 seconds to test your smoke alarms. It's one of the quickest jobs you'll do around the house this winter, but it could be the one that matters most.

About Brooks Australia

Brooks Australia has been a market leader in dry fire safety systems and solutions since its founding 50 years ago and was acquired in December 2022 by Irish company Ei Electronics. Recognised as a leader in the public housing sector, Brooks has developed and supplied an array of high-quality, reliable products based on its knowledge and expertise to help safeguard families with their residential and commercial fire panel systems. For more information, visit www.brooks.com.au.

About Cathy Brand 

Cathy Brand is the Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Australia, a leading Australian-owned smoke alarm company. Appointed in January 2023, she brings over 25 years of marketing and leadership experience across New Zealand and Australia.

Cathy spent 23 years at Cavalier Bremworth - New Zealand’s most trusted carpet brand - rising through five roles before joining Brooks in 2019 as Channel Marketing Manager. Her strategic vision and people-first leadership quickly propelled her to CEO.

Since taking the helm, Cathy has guided the company through growth and transformation, driving innovation and fostering a strong team culture. As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated, family-run industry, she continues to break barriers and inspire change.