Cooler temperatures have prompted reminders for people to review their home fire safety.
Winter is the peak season for house fires, with Queensland Fire and Emergency services responding to 2600 house fires across Queensland during the past five winters.
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said with Queensland currently outside of its traditional natural disaster seasons, now was the perfect time for families to make sure their home fire safety was up to date.
“We know most Queenslanders are aware of the risks associated with house fires, however QFES’ research shows one in three families don’t feel prepared,” Mr Leach said.
“Creating and practising a fire escape plan takes less than five minutes and is a simple, practical way to ensure your family knows what to do in the event of a house fire.
“Young children and the elderly are the most at risk, so it’s especially important to consider how they will escape safely. For instance, young children can’t escape a burning house without you, so who is getting the baby or toddler?
“Make it a priority this winter to draw up an escape plan with multiple exits based on the location of the fire and practice it regularly with your family.”
In addition to practicing fire escape plans, Commissioner Leach encouraged residents to make the switch to interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms save lives and interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms are the safest option available,” he said.
“When one interconnected smoke alarm goes off, they all go off. Every second counts in a house fire so the earlier you’re warned, the better your chances are of a safe escape.”
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