There may be some hidden home fire hazards that you should be aware to protect yourself, your family and your home.

Can phone chargers cause a fire?

Yes. Phones and chargers come with a risk if they malfunction or aren’t used in line with manufacturer guidelines. To help prevent overheating, only use approved charging devices from the manufacturer and charge items on surfaces that won’t burn, and away from blankets or flammable materials. Most manufacturers and authorities also recommend devices are unplugged as soon as possible after they’re charged.

Is it safe to run a clothes dryer if you’re not home?

No. To avoid a fire hazard you should always ensure that you don’t leave your dryer running when you’re not at home. There should also be enough airflow around the dryer at all times. Fire authorities encourage regular maintenance and recommend you keep an eye on them while in use. It’s also a good idea to avoid overloading your dryer and to let the cool-down cycle finish to reduce the risk of hot clothes igniting.

Can wheat bags cause a fire?

Yes. Fires have been caused by wheat bags overheating in the microwave or spontaneously combusting under blankets in beds. They’re designed to be used directly on the body and not as hot water bottle replacements to warm beds. Follow manufacturer-heating instructions carefully and wait until they’re cool before storing.

Can solar panels cause a fire?

Yes. Fire and Rescue NSW has warned residents with solar panels to protect their homes, after a spate of fires in August 2020. It was found that short-circuiting of solar power boxes and isolating switch failures were the cause. That’s why it’s important to ensure your solar panels comply with Australian standards and are installed by a licensed contractor. You can do a licence check with Fair Trading protection agency in your area.

Can candles, incense and oil burners cause a fire?

Yes. Keep candles, incense and oil burners on a stable surface away from curtains, and never leave them unattended. Importantly, always remember to put them out when you go out or to bed.

Can heaters cause a fire?

Yes. Heaters that are used unsafely or malfunction are a major cause of fires, especially during winter. Check for damaged cords and keep all household items at least one metre away from heaters. Place outdoor heaters in an area that is flat, well ventilated (to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning) and away from flammable items.

For those living in NSW you can request a home safety inspection.

What is a Safety Visit?

During your Safety Visit, we will attend your home and check that you have working smoke alarms, that they are in good working condition, and are installed in suitable areas. If you do not have one, firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm as well as replace existing smoke alarm batteries all at no cost. With your permission, firefighters will also ask you to show us around your home and property. This will allow us to give you personalised fire safety advice.

Request a Safety Visit

You can request a Safety Visit by contacting your local NSW Fire Station. Find and call your local fire station here.

Media release

Colt CZ Group SE (“Colt CZ”, the “Group” or the “Company”) hereby announces that it acquired intellectual property rights for the Mk 47 automatic grenade launcher from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (“GD-OTS” or “General Dynamics”).

Colt CZ Group, through its subsidiary Colt, has acquired ownership of the Mk 47 40mm Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher system, including the Fire Control, from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS). The Mk 47 is a reliable, portable 40mm grenade launcher suited for light infantry vehicles and tripod applications. This weapon system provides the warfighter with a decisive technological advantage over enemy forces equipped with older crew-served weapons.

“This acquisition expands Colt CZ Group’s offerings into the segment of larger and more sophisticated weapon systems and crew-served platforms. The acquisition of this highly capable weapon system is fully in line with our Group’s mission to provide innovative and high-quality products that our customers can rely on in any situation. Also, it will nicely complement the efforts our subsidiary swissAA has in the production of 40mm grenades,” said Jan Drahota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colt CZ Group.

Colt’s Manufacturing Company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of firearms used by militaries around the world. Colt has a history of producing crew-served weapons and 40mm shoulder fired grenade launchers. Bringing the Mk 47 and Fire Control into the Colt CZ Group will allow their experienced engineering and operations team to expand its capabilities for the Future Soldier requirements.

The Mk 47 is a lightweight 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of functioning as a standard automatic grenade launcher or programable airburst capability. The Mk 47 can be tripod, vehicle, air or watercraft mounted. The Mk 47 can launch smart programmable 40mm air burst grenades through in-bore or radio frequency (RF) programming in addition to various unguided point impact rounds. The Mk 47 fires all NATO standard high velocity 40mm rounds, providing firepower against soft and lightly armoured targets.

Pretty accurate assessment …

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coyote

In the latest that is coming in from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, former russian president Dmitry Medvedev has warned of a potential nuclear attack on Ukraine. In a stern warning issued, he stated that any Ukrainian attacks on missile launch sites within Russia using weapons supplied by the United States could provoke such an attack.

In response to President Biden’s commitment to safeguard Red Sea shipping, the US executed an additional strike on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, targeting a radar site. The strike followed numerous American and British attacks on facilities of the Iran-backed group. The guided missile destroyer Carney deployed Tomahawk missiles to degrade the Houthis’ ability to target maritime vessels. The US and UK conducted airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. Despite Houthi threats of retaliation, President Biden warned of more strikes if attacks on vessels persist in the vital waterway. Witnesses reported explosions at military bases, and the US military claimed success in reducing Houthi capabilities. The Pentagon stated that 60 targets across 28 sites were hit, while the Houthis vowed to persist in their attacks. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a Houthi leader, denounced the strikes as terrorism on Yemen.

When the shearing sheds are silent, and the stock camps fallen quiet

When the gidgee coals no longer glow across the outback night

And the bush is forced to hang a sign, ‘gone broke and won’t be back’

And spirits fear to find a way beyond the beaten track

When harvesters stand derelict upon the wind-swept plains

And brave hearts pin their hopes no more on chance of loving rains

When a hundred outback settlements are ghost towns overnight

When we’ve lost the drive and heart we had to once more see us right

When ‘Pioneer’ means a stereo and ‘Digger’ some backhoe

And the ‘Outback’ is behind the house. there’s nowhere else to go

And ‘Anzac’ is a biscuit brand and probably foreign owned

And education really means brainwashed and neatly cloned

When you have to bake a loaf of bread to make a decent crust

And our heritage once enshrined in gold is crumbling to dust

And old folk pay their camping fees on land for which they fought

And fishing is a great escape; this is until you’re caught

When you see our kids with Yankee caps and resentment in their eyes

And the soaring crime and hopeless hearts is no longer a surprise

When the name of RM Williams is a yuppie clothing brand

And not a product of our heritage that grew off the land

When offering a hand makes people think you’ll amputate

And two dogs’ meeting in the street is what you call a ‘Mate’

When ‘Political Correctness’ has replaced all common sense

When you’re forced to see it their way, there’s no sitting on the fence

Yes, one day you might find yourself an outcast in this land

Perhaps your heart will tell you then, ‘ I should have made a stand’

Just go and ask the farmers that should remove all doubt

Then join the swelling ranks who say, ‘ Don’t sell Australia out!’

Author credit- Chris Long

Far North Queensland

There are soldiers, plus others who stand out from the crowd, then those few who might be deemed exceptional.

They latter don’t need to be remarked upon for some single or multiple gallant behaviour, simply that they understand their tradecraft and, if entrusted with leadership responsibility know how to inspire their subordinates.

They instinctively understand the difference between example and compunction when compassionate understanding will often motivate rather than fear of punishment or rebuke.

All these characteristics are part of their leadership set, to ensure their subordinates have the prerequisite skills to perform what is asked or expected of them.

Some learn these skills through training and experience, an exceptional few have them in their genes.

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Exceptional leader was an inspiration by nature | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Australia Day holds immense significance for many Australians, symbolizing the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity, and shared identity. While retailers have the right to decide which products to sell, when their decisions are driven by political motivations, it introduces another layer of complexity. The celebration of Australia Day is deeply rooted in the majority of citizens, and for newcomers, it represents an acknowledgment and acceptance into the Australian community.

In response to corporate entities using their decisions as political statements, there is a grassroots approach that citizens can adopt to express their support for Australia Day. My proposed action is for individuals to unite and demonstrate their appreciation for the celebration by purchasing Australia Day merchandise from a retailer like Coles. This symbolic act not only signals support for the significance of Australia Day but also serves as a tangible way for people to engage in the conversation about the cultural and national importance of the day.

The call to wear Australia Day merchandise in other major retailers like Woolworths and Aldi could be seen as a peaceful and collective way for citizens to voice their disagreement with the political statements made by certain corporations. By doing so, individuals send a clear message that they value the traditional celebration of Australia Day and are choosing to express their views through their purchasing decisions.

This proposed action is a form of civic engagement, encouraging people to actively participate in the public discourse surrounding Australia Day. It harnesses the power of collective action to demonstrate the importance of the celebration and, in turn, highlights the impact of political statements made by corporations on the sentiments of the community.

In essence, the idea is not just about buying merchandise; it’s a symbolic act of unity and expression of shared values. It’s a way for citizens to assert their voice and demonstrate that Australia Day is a day worth celebrating and preserving for its cultural and historical significance.

By Ray Payne OAM