Victoria’s fire services are urging households to prioritise family safety this winter by making sure their home fire escape plans are up to date.
A house fire has the potential to cause death and destroy your home in a matter of minutes, but the risks of a house fire can be significantly reduced if everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire breaks out.
Research conducted by Fire Rescue Victoria and the CFA shows young children, older people, smokers and people with disabilities are among the groups over-represented in house fire fatalities.
FRV deputy commissioner community safety Joshua Fischer said there was “no time to plan” if a fire broke out in your home, and planning and practising a home fire escape plan was a worthwhile and potentially lifesaving activity.
“When firefighters respond to a house fire, it’s a priority to ensure everyone is out of harm’s way,” he said.
“You can help us — and protect your loved ones — by having an effective home fire escape plan in place, especially during the winter months when we spend more time indoors.
“Making a home fire escape plan shouldn’t be complicated. In fact, your plan needs to be simple enough that everyone can follow it — it could make all the difference in a situation where every second counts.
“Having a plan and practising it with everyone in your household is an essential part of family fire safety.
“By giving your family a simple plan to follow now, you’re giving them a better chance to survive a life-threatening emergency.”
CFA deputy chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said winter was a good time for Victorian residents to revisit their home fire escape plan, as it was the “peak time for house fires”.
“Sadly, CFA responded to 780 house fires last year, which is why we urge Victorian residents to revisit their home fire escape plan,” he said.
“Whether you’re a homeowner or renting, you should have a plan and practise it regularly, know the two quickest ways out of every room and decide on a safe place to meet outside, such as a letterbox.
“To keep your loved ones safe, smoke alarms should be installed in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways so everyone is alerted to a fire.
“The safest plan is to get down low to stay out of the smoke. If safe, close nearby doors to slow down the spread of the fire, and call 000 once you’re safely outside.”
For more information on how to make a home fire escape plan, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au
Things to remember when making your home fire escape plan
- Know what to do if a fire occurs. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you should have a plan in place.
- Practice your plan with everyone in the home.
- If you have to keep deadlocks locked, leave your keys in the door.
Tips for when there is a fire
- Get out and stay out, by getting down low and staying out of the smoke.
- If it is safe, close doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
- Alert other people on your way out.
- Meet at a safe place, such as the letterbox out the front of your house.
- Call 000 from a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone.
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