Is your home fire safe?
A fire can happen anywhere and it’s important to always be prepared for what you would do if you had one in your home.
Of course, having the right safety equipment to protect your home against fire, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and having an escape plan is essential to protect your family and your home.
Here is a a very informative video about fire safety in your home which explained what fire equipment you need and how to check & maintain them:
What fire safety equipment should I have in house?
Important fire and overall safety products for your home include:
A simple home fire safety checklist!
Australian Fire services recommend this simple safety checklist to assist in keeping your home fire safe:
- Ensure everyone knows to call triple zero 000 when they get out of the home.
- Installing an adequate number of suitable Fire Extinguishers and testing them regularly.
- Installing an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms and testing them regularly .
- Having a written escape plan in case of fire and practicing it regularly.
- Make sure keys to all locked doors are readily accessible in case you need to escape.
- Never leave cooking or any other open flame including candles or oil burners unattended.
- Never smoke in bed and take extra care if consuming alcohol whilst smoking.
- In Winter take extra care when using heaters, electric blankets or open fires.
- Don’t overload power points and switch off appliances when not in use.
- If you have a garage or shed remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels.
- If you have a gas, electric or wood BBQ always check that it is in safe working order before lighting.
If a home fire occurs?
- Get everybody out of the home or house.
- Meet at the designated place.
- Call the fire service on 000.
- Do a headcount and let the fire service know if someone is missing.
- Do not go back inside.
- If the fire is small and localised and you feel you can do so, extinguish the fire. If a fire frightens you get out and phone triple zero (000).
FIRE ESCAPE PLAN:
Having a home escape plan in conjunction with a working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of getting out safely. Every second counts.
- Discuss with everyone in your home and ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarms activate.
- Practice and conduct fire drills with the whole family.
- Ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room.
- Ensure everyone knows to call triple zero when they get out of the home.
Here is a free fire escape plan print out and sample for you:
