Victoria’s fire services are encouraging families to practise their home fire escape plans these school holidays.
Fires can take hold at any time, and a practised escape plan could save lives.
Last year, 18 people died in preventable residential fires in Victoria, with research showing that young children, people aged over 65, smokers and people with disabilities are more likely to die in house fires.
All occupants of the home should know the quickest and safest way to escape from every room, and know of two exits from every room, either through doors or windows.
You can find materials on both FRV and CFA’s respective websites to help create a plan.
FRV deputy commissioner of community safety Joshua Fischer said all family members should know what to do in the event of a fire.
“In emergencies people can often panic and might not know what to do – particularly children,” Mr Fischer said.
“Having a practised home fire escape plan will significantly increase your chances of survival, ensuring that all members of the house know how to safely evacuate as quickly as possible,” he said.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said fire escape plans should be tailored to your living environment and the abilities of all members of the household.
“If you live in a high-rise building, know where the fire exits are, always take the stairs, and know the building’s evacuation procedures,” Mr Heffernan said.
“And if you have people in the family who will require assistance to evacuate, such an elderly family member or young child, consider this in your plan,” he said.
“Kids are always looking for things to do during school holidays, so why not practise your home fire escape plan together?”
When making your home fire escape plan, remember:
• Know what to do if a fire occurs. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you should have a home fire escape plan in place.
• Practice your plan with everyone in the home.
• If you must keep deadlocks locked, leave your keys in the door.
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 the doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
• Alert other people on your way out and meet at a safe place, such as the letterbox or out the front of your home.
• Call Triple-0 from a mobile phone or neighbour’s phone.
Details: frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au
