House fires happen everyday. The biggest tragedy is that the majority of house fires are preventable.

• Never leave the stove unattended.

• Check that electric cords, curtains, tea towels and oven cloths are at a safe distance from the stove top.

• Be careful of long flowing sleeves contacting gas flames.

• Do not sleep with electric blankets on or leave the house without switching them off.
• Never leave weighty objects on the bed when the electric blanket is on.
• Have your blanket checked by an authorised repairer if you suspect overheating.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for care and storage.
• Inspect each blanket for wear and tear at the beginning of the cooler months.

• Always use a qualified electrician.

• Double adaptors and power-boards can overload power points.

• Install safety switches and correct fuses.

• Smoking in bed can be fatal – tiny embers can smoulder unnoticed and burst into flame much later.

• Check light fittings for heat build up.
• Discard lampshades that are close to light globes & lamp bases that can be knocked over easily.
• Ensure recessed downlights are properly insulated from wood panelling or ceiling timbers.

• Store all flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits away from heat.
• Always check the label before use and storage.
• Use extreme care when pouring.

• Always clean lint filters after each load.
• Avoid drying bras in your dryer as the underwire can get caught and start a fire.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not sleep with a burning candle.
• Make sure curtains and other flammable items are well away from burning candles.

• Make sure all appliances are professionally installed.
• Check that walls and floors are insulated from heat sources.
• Be careful where you place portable appliances.
• Never leave an open fire alight when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Place a mesh guard in front of open fires.
• Have your chimney and flue cleaned annually.
• Never leave children unattended near fires and heaters.
• Clothing should not be dried close to heaters or fires.

• Warn all children about playing with fire.
• Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of small children.
• Teach young children to bring matches or lighters they find to an adult immediately
• Teach older children that matches are a tool to be used in the presence of adults
• Brief your babysitter on your fire plan – make sure they know all exits and emergency telephone numbers. Make sure the babysitter understands fire survival techniques

Top

• Conduct fire drills with the whole family.
• Agree on a place to meet outside.

• Get everybody out of the house.
• Meet at the designated place.
• Call the Fire Service on 000.
• Do not go back inside.
• If fire is small and localised, extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so
• Keep wallets and handbags easily accessible

• If clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP AND ROLL to smother flames while covering your face with your hands.
• To help someone else, throw a woollen blanket over them if they catch alight.

• In a fire the safest area for breathing is near the floor where the air is cooler and cleaner.
• Get down low and crawl to safety.

• Clean cold water cools burns and lessens the pain.
• Do not use butter, ice, cotton wool or ointments on burns.
• Do not remove burnt clothing from skin.

• Every home should have a properly maintained fire extinguisher and fire blanket.

Top