Fire safety tips

Below are guidelines you can read about fire safety in your home:

• Prepare a fire escape plan with all members of your household – work out how you would escape from each room if there was a fire.
• Practise your plan in the dark.
• Make sure that windows and screens can be easily opened from the inside.
• Keep your keys in the locks when you are at home or hang them near the door provided they can't be seen.
• Close internal doors when leaving your home to reduce fire spread.
• Are your electrical appliances in good working order? Check cords and power points regularly.
• Never overload your powerpoints.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the street.
• If there is a fire in your home, get out and stay out. Never go back inside a burning building.
• Teach your kids about Triple 000.
• If you or anyone else in your home smokes, make sure there are large ash-trays around the home and do not smoke in bed or when you are drowsy.

In the kitchen

• Have an effective fire extinguisher or fire blanket.
• Keep clothing, curtains, electrical cords, tea towels and oven cloths well away from the stove top.
• Never throw water onto a oil fire, turn off the heating source and smother the flames with a pot lid or fire blanket.

In the laundry

• If you use a clothes dryer always clean the lint filter after each load.
• Always store bleach and cleaners in a safe place not accessible to children.

Your barbecue

• Be aware of, and ensure that you comply with, any fire restrictions that may be in place such as Total Fire Bans.
• Ensure that your barbecue is serviced and maintained correctly including scheduled pressure testing of any gas cylinders and checking of the condition of all hoses and connections.
• Have a garden hose or similar continuous supply of water available at all times.
• Never use petrol or kerosene to start your barbecue - as well as being extremely dangerous, children may be encouraged to copy your actions.
• Keep children away from any lit barbecue and remember to remove and secure any lighters and matches.
• If a gas leak does occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate.
• Ensure your barbecue is regularly cleaned and kept free of fat buildup.

For more important information and resources go to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website.