The Maroondah Exchange | Home fire safety
If a fire starts at home, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000). A home fire escape plan helps everyone understand how they will do that before an emergency happens.
You might know which door you would use. But would everyone else take the same route? What if that exit was blocked, a child needed help, or someone could not move quickly?
A family working on a home fire escape plan. Image supplied by Fire Rescue Victoria.
FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer says a plan needs to fit the people who live in the home.
“When a fire breaks out, it spreads extremely quickly, meaning you, your family and other people you live with could have just seconds to escape,” he said.
Start with your household
Whether you own or rent, make the plan with everyone who lives with you, including children. FRV advises tailoring it to your home and each person’s abilities, including young children, older people and anyone with mobility issues.
That makes it a conversation about your actual household. Who may need assistance? Which exits can each person use? Can everyone reach the way out without having to move things first?
Draw or write the plan, then walk through it together. The Home Fire Safety booklet supplied by FRV includes a sample plan with a place to record your address and safe meeting point.
Work through the route before you need it
Know your ways out. FRV’s booklet asks households to identify two ways out of every room. Think about the quickest, safest route and an alternative.
Keep exits clear. Check doorways and the route to them, rather than leaving the check at the front door.
Keep keys available. FRV says to leave keys in locked doors and security screens while you are inside, so you can escape.
Choose a safe meeting place outside. It should be away from smoke and fire, off the road and somewhere emergency services can find you, such as a suitable place near the letterbox.
Practise together. Make sure everyone understands the plan and any help they will need.
If you live in a high-rise building, FRV advises knowing the fire exits, stairwells and building evacuation procedures. Use the stairs when escaping a fire.
What to do when there is a fire
FRV’s instructions are to get down low and stay out of the smoke, alert other people on your way out, and close doors as you leave if it is safe. Get outside and stay outside. Never go back in.
Meet at your agreed safe place. Call Triple Zero (000), ask for FIRE and give the address. Tell the call-taker if anyone is still inside, and stay on the phone until you are asked to disconnect.
If you are trapped and cannot escape, call Triple Zero (000), ask for FIRE and say you need help to get out. FRV advises moving as far from the smoke and fire as possible and closing the door to the room on fire if it is safe.
Make the next conversation useful
Set aside time with the people you live with to draw the plan and practise it. Check your smoke alarms at the same time. The aim is for everyone to know what happens after the alarm sounds, including anyone who will need help.
This article follows The Maroondah Exchange’s report on the smoke alarm that helped a Heathmont family escape a house fire. Fire Rescue Victoria supplied the advice and quotations for this home fire safety series.
Use FRV’s home fire escape plan guidance and template. FRV also lists community fire safety programs, including support for older people.
Thanks for reading,
The Maroondah Exchange