Fire Safety

Festive Season Fire Safety

There were 673 residential fires between 1 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, with 85 people injured during that period. At least 21 of those fires involved electrical equipment and at least 11 were caused by candles.

Are you fire safe?

We recommend this simple safety checklist to assist in keeping your home safe:

Inside

• When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays use only one item per power socket and don’t overload power boards or piggy back double adaptors.
• For maximum safety if you use a power board, ensure it has both overload protection and earth leakage protection devices incorporated.
• Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer’s instructions on setting up and operating.
• Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords.
• Inspect the plugs and leads of used decorative lights to ensure they are in good working order. If in doubt, replace the lights.
• Decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don’t leave burning candles unattended.
• Candles should be used in a safe position away from Christmas Trees or other flammable material and out of reach of children. Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed.
• Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.
• Make sure you have a sufficient number of working smoke alarms throughout your home that are tested regularly and are supported by a written home escape plan in case of fire.

Outside

• If you have a gas, electric or wood BBQ always check that it is in safe working order before lighting and that it is always in the care of a responsible adult when in use.
• Always keep lighters and matches away from children and educate that they are “tools not toys” to only be used by responsible adults. (Children & Fire Fascination)
• If you have a garage or shed remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels and always refuel mowers, edgers etc when they are cold and in the open. (See Garage/Workshop Chemical Safety)
• If you live in a bushfire prone area keep the ground around your home clear of leaves and other litter and remember to clean your gutters regularly. (See Fact Sheet 1 Home Bushfire Survival Plan)

Fire safety tips

• Remember that smoke from a fire will make you confused and that you cannot see in smoke
• When asleep you will not smell smoke and it will in fact put you into a deeper sleep
• Only ever use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch
• Home fire safety is important for the whole family and preparation can prevent a tragedy

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