House fire

Fire

• If there is a fire in your home, try not to panic. 
  • Smoke is the biggest threat to your personal safety and not the flame itself.
  • Shout and bang on bedroom doors to ensure all people in the house are aware of the danger and are able to escape.
  • Touch test door handles before opening doors.
  • Explain evacuation plans to children.
  • Once outside wait at your predetermined assembly point and do not re-enter a burning building for any reason.
• Household Escape Plan
  • A household escape plan will lessen panic in the event of a fire.
  • Decide on a plan with the help of your entire household.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to operate window locks and deadlocks.
  • Designate an agreed upon outside meeting place.
  • Make sure everyone knows the emergency telephone number - 000.

Common Dangers

• Candles

  • Use candles under adult supervision.
  • Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
  • Keep candles well clear of flammable items such as paper or curtains.
  • Place candles in sturdy holders that will not tip.
  • Do not place candles on a non-flammable surface.

• Clothes Dryers

  • Clean the lint filter regularly to avoid overheating.
  • Avoid drying underwired bras in the dryer - underwires can snag and cause fire.

• Electric Blankets

  • Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • Never sleep or leave on an electric blanket.
  • Do not place heavy objects on the bed while the electric blanket it on - can cause scorching and overheating.
  • Get the electric blanket checked by an authorised repairer if you think the blanket is overheating.
  • Do not fold or crease the electric blanket.
  • Do not use an electric blanket if it is wet.
  • Before use, check the blanket for signs of scorching or damage.

• Faulty Wiring

  • Always use a qualified electrician for any electrical work you need to have done.
  • Never overload power points, power boards or piggyback double adaptors.
  • Power boards should have an overload switch.
  • Install safety switches and the correct fuses.

• Heating

  • All heating equipment must be installed and/or maintained by a qualified professional.
  • All walls and nearby surfaces should be properly insulated from heat sources.
  • Never leave any type of heater on when going to bed. If you have a wood heaters such as a pot-bellied stove, ensure the air vents are closed and the door is firmly closed.
  • Place a mesh fire guard in front of all open fires to ensure any falling embers do not fall onto the floor and start a fire.
  • Have your chimney and flue cleaned every year because a build-up of soot can ignite.
  • Clothing should not be dried near or on heaters as it can fall and catch fire.
  • Choose a portable heater that has an automatic cut-off switch which engages if the heater is tipped over.

• Kitchen Stoves

  • Never leave the stove on unattended.
  • Check that all appliance cords, curtains and other flammable items are well away from the stove top.
  • Be careful of your clothing catching fire, especially near a gas flame.
  • Electric stove tops remain hot after being turned off - avoid leaving flammable items nearby.

• Lighting

  • Regularly check light fittings for heat build-up.
  • If you have recessed ceiling lights, make sure they are sufficiently insulated from timber or wood panelling.

• Cigarettes

  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Make sure that all matches and lighters are well out of sight and reach of children at all times.
  • Ashtrays should be frequently emptied.
  • Ensure that all butts in ashtrays are extinguished.
  • Never leave lit cigarettes unattended.
  • Do not litter - cigarette butts from car windows cause roadside fires.

• Wheat Bags

  • A wheat bag is a fabric bag containing wheat grains and can be heated in the microwave.
  • Grains contained in wheat bags can deteriorate to the extent that they may spontaneously ignite.
  • Be aware of signs of overuse.
  • Do not use wheat bags as a bed warmer.

Smoke Alarms

• Why Have One?
  • Many fires occur at night and the smoke can induce deep sleep.
  • Smoke alarms are crucial as they sense smoke and will alert you to a fire in your home.
  • Smoke alarms will provide you with the precious time to get you and your family out of the house should a fire occur.
  • Batteries should be replaced every year.
  • Smoke alarms can either be wired into the main electricity or battery operated.
• Alarm Maintenance
  • Alarms purchased should comply with the relevant Australian standard.
  • Alarms should be tested at least once a month and cleaned once every 6 months.
  • Test your smoke alarm once a month using the test button.
  • Alarms emit a beep at regular intervals if the battery is in need of being changed.
  • Your alarm should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions as they have a limited life span.

Home Security and House Fires

• It is important to make your house secure from intruders, but it is also vital that in a fire emergency, you are able to vacate your house to safety. Fire services often find that house occupants could not escape the smoke and flames because of the security system.
  • Windows and security screens should be able to be opened from the inside for quick escape.
  • It is important that everyone in the house knows how to operate the window and door locks in an emergency.

Going on Holiday

• Switch off or disconnect electrical equipment including computers that don't need to be on.
• Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working.
• Ensure that any electrical appliances that are left on are in good working order.
• Tell a trusted friend or neighbour when you are going away and where you will be and leave them with contact details.
• If you live in a bush fire prone area, prepare your home to be as fire safe as possible such as clearing debris and cleaning your gutters.
• Close all internal doors in your home to slow the spread of fire if one should break out.

Disclaimer
This information is provided by Royal Automobile Club (WA) Inc (RAC) voluntarily as a public service. It has been prepared in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. Nonetheless, the reliability and accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed and the RAC expressly disclaims liability for any act or omission done or not done in reliance on the information and for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, arising from such act or omission. This information is intended to be a guide only and readers should obtain their own independent advice and their own necessary inquiries.