The reminder comes following a recent unit fire in Hamilton that was caused by an electric blanket.
While the occupants escaped unharmed and crews contained the fire to the mattress, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said these types of incidents were often avoidable.
“Regularly check electric blankets for broken or worn wiring,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Ensure they are kept flat with controls at the side of the bed and when using them, turn electric blankets on 30 minutes before getting into bed and make sure they are turned off as you get into bed.
“CFA turned out to 14 house fires that were caused by electric blankets last year, and we continue to attend these incidents which are often easily preventable.”
More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms and living areas.
Mr Heffernan said in every household, smoke alarms should be a bedroom essential.
Call for road repair blitz
State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed has called on the Victorian premier to conduct a regional and rural roads repair blitz.
“Many of Victoria’s rural and regional roads are in a poor condition,” Ms Sheed said.
“They have suffered significant damage and repairs are desperately needed.
“Even major highways such as the Goulburn Valley Hwy and the Hume Fwy between Shepparton and Melbourne have significant areas of road damage, with potholes not usually seen on roads of such national importance.”
Ms Sheed said she drove on the major highways weekly and saw the damage first hand.
“While I can see repairs are being carried out on our regional and rural roads, there is still significant damage that could cause accidents, injuries, or damage to vehicles.
“This is an issue I am passionate about, and I will be making this a key part of my forthcoming election campaign.”
Honey exports are humming
Australian exporters of honey and apiculture products can now obtain certification for 15 additional markets via a digital documentation system following Malaysia’s transition to the NEXDOC platform for these goods earlier this year.
Through NEXDOC, exporters can communicate directly with the agriculture department, removing the need to call or email and providing oversight of the export documentation processes.
Now they can digitally lodge, amend and replace export certificates with minimal departmental intervention, then print their approved certificates instead of collecting them from a departmental office.
In addition to this, certificates generated through NEXDOC render a unique QR code and certificate number, increasing product traceability and security for Australia and its trading partners.
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