Many winter products can be unsafe if they are old, faulty or used incorrectly.
To avoid injury in winter, follow our safety tips and keep up to date on the latest product recalls.
Read our safety suggestions for:
Hot water bottles are widely used for warmth or to help ease pain.
They are manufactured from rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can deteriorate with age.
Each year about 200 people in Australia are treated for serious burns from using hot water bottles.
Winter safety
Our tips for hot water bottles.
Buy a new hot water bottle every winter.
Wrap in a towel or cover. Don't use directly on your skin.
Fill with warm tap water, never with boiling water.
Check for leaks and damage before using.
Check out more winter safety tips at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading
When using a wheat bag, follow the heating instructions and never heat for longer than what's written on the label.
Homemade wheat bags can pose a fire and injury risk because the moisture content and volume of these bags is unknown and there are no guides on heating times.
Age causes the organic fillings inside wheat bags to dry out and become more combustible.
Winter safety
Our tips for hot wheat bags.
Never use a wheat bag in a confined space which can trap heat, such as under blankets or bedding.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating times.
Shake to distribute heat evenly.
Check out more winter safety tips at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading
Each year Australian children are admitted to hospital with burns from clothing that's caught fire.
Even if clothes have a 'low fire danger' label, they're still flammable.
[Narrator]
Now that the winter woolies are coming out, we thought we'd share some fast facts on winter safety to help you prepare for the chilly months ahead.
Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles are a common, budget friendly way to keep warm. However, they can be dangerous. Make sure you buy a new hot water bottle every winter. Or, if it's showing signs of wear and tear, replace it, even if they appear to be in good condition on the outside.
When using your hot water bottle, ensure you wrap it in a towel or cover and never use them directly on your skin. Serious burns have been caused by hot water bottle related injuries.
Never use boiling water to fill hot water bottles, as it can cause splits or leaks that can lead to serious burns and will shorten the life of the hot water bottle.
It's important to never overfill the bottle and always check for leaks and damage before using.
Children's sleepwear
Tragically, many Australian children are admitted to hospital with burns from their nighty, pyjamas or dressing gown catching fire.
Before buying children's sleepwear, you should check the clothing label is marked with a low fire hazard label or warning.
Flimsy and loose fitting sleepwear is often involved in injuries causing burns, so it's important to avoid these.
It's also important to not let kids sit too close to open flames or heaters to further prevent injuries.
Wheat bags
Wheat bags are sometimes considered a safer option than hot water bottles, but they too can cause burns and have been linked to a number of house fires in Australia.
Never use a wheat bag in a confined space which can trap heat, such as under blankets or bedding.
Always carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for heating times and use.
Shuffle the weight around inside the bag before placing it on your body. Some areas of the bag may be hotter than others.
Now you're ready for a safe, warm, and well winter.
Don't forget to check out more winter safety tips on our website and call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information.
Inspect the electric blanket before use and look for frayed fabric, exposed elements, damaged cords or scorch marks.
If you notice any damage, throw the electric blanket away. Damaged or faulty electric blankets can cause an electric shock or fire hazard.
Once winter is over, roll the electric blanket up and store it in a clean, dry place as the manufacturer recommends.
Check your heater every winter to ensure it's safe to use. Inspect the electrical cables and make sure there aren't any exposed wires or loose connections.
Only use one appliance per power point and turn it off when not in use.
Gas heaters require adequate ventilation because the carbon monoxide they produce is odourless, colourless and deadly.
Have your gas heater serviced regularly by a qualified tradesperson to ensure no carbon monoxide leaks.
Candles can make your home smell nice, but they are among the most common causes of household fires.
Mould can form in moist and poorly-ventilated areas of your home. It can also grow on wet items that can't be dried out quickly.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services provides information on their website about indoor fire safety and smoke alarms.
