That’s the advice Warrnambool fire station acting officer in charge Greg Kinross is putting out there as winter officially begins this week.

Over the winter months, fires caused by heating increase.

Mr Kinross urged people to get their particular form of heating – gas, wood and electric – serviced or checked, as well as being mindful of fire hazards such as electric blankets and clothes dryers.

He also emphasised it was crucial to ensure smoke alarms were up-to-date and working.

“Working smoke alarms save lives,” Mr Kinross says.

The officer said this year there was a focus on the fact smoke alarms needed to be replaced every 10 years.

“If it’s over 10 years old, look into getting it replaced,” Mr Kinross said. “If you open them up there’s a date of manufacture.”

Mr Kinross said every house should have a small fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a working smoke alarm.