Important & concerning fire facts to be mindful of :
- Almost 50 per cent of the residential fires begin in the kitchen
- House fires claim an average of 16 lives per year nationally
- Less than 50% of building occupants feel confident about what action to take during an emergency
- Less than 50% of building occupants feel confident that they would know how to operate a fire extinguisher
Follow these 10 simple fire safety steps to minimise the risk of a home fire.
1. Ensure heaters are placed at least one metre away from anything that could potentially burn.
2. Be sure to switch off at the power outlets and on the appliance itself.
3. Check smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working correctly. Perhaps mark it in your calendar and make a habit of doing it on the 4th of every month (for example) so you don’t forget!
4. Change the batteries of your smoke alarms every 12 months. Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm installed between the bedrooms and remainder of the home, and on any other storey within the home.
5. Ensure all heating equipment is clean and in proper working order. Inspect electrical cords and replace if cracked or damaged.
6. Switch off electrical blankets before going to bed.
7. Extinguish any candles before going to bed or leaving the room.
8. When cooking, don’t leave cooking appliances unattended. If you need to leave the room for more than a few minutes, switch off the stove or oven.
9. If you have a fireplace, use a mesh guard to protect against flying sparks and embers from an open fire.
10. Ensure the fireplace has been completely smothered before leaving the room or house.
11. Invest in the appropriate fire safety products for your home. Fire blankets and fire extinguishers can be helpful in putting out a minor fire.
12. Prepare a fire safety plan with you and all members of your household. Make sure everyone knows what to do in the case of an emergency.
Safehome Initiative Inspections
Did you know that the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services offer a Safehome initiative where all Queenslanders can arrange for an in-home inspection for fire and safety hazards? This is a free service provided by QFES in the interest of developing a safer community and typically takes approximately 45 minutes per inspection.
For other household tips, check out these articles :
- Landlords Guide To New Smoke Alarm Laws In QLD
- 3 Clever Tips To Save Money On Big Ticket Household Items
- How To Ensure Rental Return Makes Your Investment More Fruitful
- The Ten Best Plants To Make Your Balcony Look Awesome
- How To Run A Successful Garage Sale and Make Money