Fire safety checklist

 

Your wellbeing and safety are our main priority. As Winter settles in, the days are getting colder and we’re piling on our blankets and finding ways to keep warm. However, there is a greater risk of fire as we use electrical appliances and objects that require heat.

Here is a list of practical ways that you can keep your home and family safe from the risk of fire during the colder months:

 

Prepare a fire escape plan

• Draw a floor plan of your home, including two ways of escape from each room. And decide on a meeting place outside. You can download an escape plan template here. 
• Keep exits clear.
• Keep door and window keys in or next to locks so they can be opened easily. 
• Once you get out, stay out. Never go back inside a burning building.
• Call Triple Zero ‘000’ from a neighbour’s or your mobile phone.
• If you live in a high-rise apartment, don’t use a lift in a fire – use the emergency exit/stairs.
• If you live in a high-rise apartment, always follow your buildings evacuation plan.
  • Respond immediately to the emergency warning system and go directly to the designated assembly area.

 

Know how to use candles, heaters and lighters safely

• Keep your matches and lighters safe away from children.
• Keep any wet clothes at least one metre away from heaters.
• Always put out candles or open flames before you go to bed.
• Handle candles with care.
• Keep curtains, tablecloths, and bedding away from heaters.

 

Know how to use electric blankets, outlets and outdoor equipment safely

• Only plug one appliance in each power point or power board. Switch them off when you are not using them. 
• Check that your electric blankets are in good condition – they shouldn’t have any damage.
• Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside your home – they could cause a build-up of deadly gas in the house which can lead to injury or death.
• Clean the lint filter every time you use a clothes dryer.

Prevent kitchen fires by looking while you’re cooking

• Distractions can quickly lead to a kitchen fire. The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended. It is important to keep looking when cooking to prevent a kitchen fire. Here are 8 cooking fire safety tips you should follow:
  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove before you leave.
  • Don’t put anything metallic in the microwave and always double-check the timer.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
  • Flammable materials such as aerosols, cleaning agents and cooking oils should be stored away from heat.
  • Avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Keep loose clothing, fabrics, tea towels, curtains and flammable items away from the stove.
  • Turn pot handles inwards. Pot handles hanging over the edge of the stove can be easily knocked or grabbed by children.
  • Keep your oven, rangehood and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of grease and fat can ignite in a fire.