Home Fire Safety

Would you survive a fire in your house?  Did you know that it only takes seconds for a small fire to get out of control and engulf the family home?  That's why it is so important that you know how to prevent fires from starting and can escape safely if a fire does break out.  Be fire ready with working smoke alarms and a home escape plan. 








How do I make my home fire safe?

♦ Draw up a home escape plan and practice it with your family.
♦ Make sure that windows and doors can be opened quickly during a fire. Never dead bolt a door from the inside without leaving a key in the lock.
♦ Keep your oven and stove clean to prevent a build-up of fat. 
♦ Don't leave your stove or oven on whilst unattended.
♦ Keep clothes, tea towels and other flammable items away from stoves and hot plates.
♦ Always follow manufacturers instructions for microwave use. Never use metal items and never heat flammable liquids.
♦ Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer between use.  Never leave it on whilst asleep or away from the home.
♦  Don't overload electrical power-boards or double adaptors.















♦ Never place items on heaters and never place heaters too close to flammable items. Turn off heaters when asleep or away from the home.
♦ Keep matches and lighters away from children.
♦ Regularly check electric blankets for signs of wear, tear and damage to leads. Turn blankets off when going to sleep.
♦ Keep candles away from curtains and children. Always stabilise candles in a suitable holder.
♦ Check smoke alarms on a regular basis and change batteries at least once per year.
♦ Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket handy.










What should I do in case of fire?
♦ Leave the house immediately - yourself, family members, visitors and pets.
♦ Call 000 and ask for the Fire Brigade.
♦ Provide your address and nearest cross street.
♦ Alert your immediate neighbours.
♦ Leave personal items behind.
♦ Once out of the house, stay out.
♦ If you see smoke, don’t panic but get down low to the ground.
♦ If your clothes catch alight, STOP, DROP, COVER and ROLL.
♦ If you have a stove top fire, turn off the hotplate and cover the pan with a lid or fire blanket.
♦ Never use water on an oil fire.















More information? Contact your local Fire Brigade.