Winter is here: are you fire safety ready?
QFES Nambour crew members, from left, Adam Bowern, Acting Area Commander Ashley Dickson, Steve Evans, Harley Cross and Jacksyn Pike urge everyone to take simple precautions to prevent fires in the home.
Winter is the peak season for house fires, with firefighters responding to an average of 40 incidents per week around the state.
With winter now upon us, Queensland Fire & Emergency Services Acting Area Commander Ashley Dickson urges everyone to think about home fire safety.
Speaking at Nambour Fire Station in Bli Bli Road the Acting Area Commander reinforced the importance of smoke alarms, a fire escape plan and key safety messages to ensure safety this winter.
“Last winter in North Coast Region alone firefighters responded to 65 structure fires,” Mr Dickson said.
“House fires can move fast and can happen to anyone in any type of home. Having working smoke alarms and a well practised fire escape plan will save lives.
“Don’t be complacent and think it won’t happen to you. The reality is most fires are caused by every day items such as cooking equipment, faulty or poorly maintained appliances, and flammable materials placed too close to heat sources.”
Mr Dickson said it was important for household to have working interconnected photo electric smoke alarms.
He also urged families to create and practice a fire escape plan. “More than a third of young families don’t know what they do in the event of a house fire,” he said.
“A fire escape plan takes less than five minutes and is a simple way to ensure your family knows how to make their way out of a burning house. Young people and the elderly are most at risk so it’s especially important to consider how they will escape safely.”
• For more information and to make your fire escape plan visit qfes.qld.gov.au/fireescape
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