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FIRE
SAFETY
MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY3-02/07
 ELECTRICITY
THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY ASSISTS
IN PREVENTING HOUSE FIRES.

The build up of grease, dust and

dirt can fuel a re.
All electrical appliances
including toasters, lters on
range hoods, central heating
systems and air conditioners
therefore, need regular cleaning.

Fires caused by damaged

and frayed cords can be
prevented.
Cords on electrical appliances
need regular checking. It is
recommended that any repair
to an electrical appliance be
done by a qualied electrical
tradesperson.

Computers, monitors and TVs

can overheat and cause res
even when not in use.
They should be turned off after
each session.
Good air circulation is necessary
around TVs and videos.
TVs should be turned off at the
set, not only with the remote
control.

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 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

Improper use of powerboards

and double adaptors can lead
to res.
A double adaptor or a power
board plugged into another
double adaptor or power board
creates a danger of overloading
the system.

For safety, use a single extension

cord rather than joining shorter
cords.
Leaving an extension cord coiled
while in use or placing a cord
under oor coverings can cause
overheating.

Be careful to keep electrical

appliances away from water.
A hair dryer takes time to cool
down. For safety, allow this to
happen on a non-combustible
surface before storing it.

Light globes can become very

hot.
It is therefore dangerous to cover
a lamp with any type of fabric.
To dim a lamp it is recommended
that a lower wattage globe is
used.

MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 3

 THE KITCHEN
THE MAJORITY OF ALL HOME FIRES START IN THE KITCHEN.
CHILDREN NEED CONSTANT SUPERVISION TO PROTECT
THEM FROM THE DANGERS OF FIRES, BURNS AND SCALDS.

Anything cooking on the

stove should not be left
unattended.

Accidents can happen very

quickly.
A good practice is to ensure pot
handles are turned inwards.

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Food splattering can cause a

re.
Avoid danger from splattering
by using a sufciently large
utensil.

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 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

Never use water to put out

a fat or oil re.
Keep a re blanket and a dry
powder extinguisher handy and
know how to use them.
Fire blankets must be at least
one metre from the stove and your
re extinguisher is best located
near the kitchens entrance.

Fabrics and loose clothing can

catch re easily.
Keep your clothing away from
heat.
Tie long hair back to prevent
accidents.

Many substances in the kitchen

are ammable.
Flammable materials such as FLY
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pressure packs, cleaning agents

and cooking oils should be stored
away from heat.
Accumulated fat is a re hazard.
As well as the griller, your oven
and rangehood require regular
cleaning.

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MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 5

 OPEN FLAMES
CANDLES, OIL BURNERS, MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND
CIGARETTES CAN ALL BE DANGEROUS. PREPARE YOUR
FAMILY FOR THE SAFE USE OF OPEN FLAMES.

Inappropriate disposal of
cigarettes causes re.
Dampen cigarette butts before
disposing of them.
Remember: smoking in bed is
extremely dangerous.

When using an oil burner:

Pour in a small amount of water.
Then add the oil. 1 2
This will keep both the burner
and the oil at a safe temperature.

Candles and oil burners should

be lit only when they are well
away from curtains and open
windows.

All open ames should be extinguished before you leave home or retire for the night.

6 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

Children should never be allowed

to have access to matches or
lighters.
An adult should be present at
all times when a candle or an oil
burner is being used.
Place candles and oil burners on
re resistant surfaces, in such a
way that they can not be knocked
over.
It is recommended that smokers
use only child proof lighters and
deep ashtrays.

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JUVENILE FIRE AWARENESS AND

INTERVENTION PROGRAM [JFAIP]
JFAIP is a free service to families who
think that their child may be playing
with re. This service aims to reduce
the number of deaths, injuries and
property damage caused by Juvenile
Firelighting in Victoria.
Selected reghters are trained
specically to consult with children.
They can work in the childs home
environment with the entire family.
The visits remain completely
condential. The use of professional
interpreters can be included in the
service. Contact the JFAIP Ofce
for information or assistance on
1300 309 988.

MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 7

 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
PRACTISE WHAT TO DO. KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT.
FIRE BLANKETS
Take hold of the two
tabs and pull the
blanket out of its
container.
As the blanket hits the
bottom of the pot, drape
the blanket over the re.
Call 000.
Fireghters will attend.
8 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07
Holding the tabs to Walk slowly towards
1 protect your hands,
stretch out your arms
2 the re. 3
in front of you.
If it is safe to do so, turn
4 Leave the blanket over
the pot. 5 off the gas/electricity
at the stove or at the
6
main supply.
WHERE TO BUY FIRE BLANKETS
AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire blankets and extinguishers can
be purchased from most hardware
stores and large supermarkets.
Fire blankets cost around $15-20,
and re extinguishers cost from
$20, depending on size.
MFB recommends: Buy only re
blankets and extinguishers with
the Australian Standard symbol.
7
 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHERS

Take the extinguisher Remove the extinguisher Walk slowly to within

off the wall or lift it
off the bench.
1 from its holder.
Pull out the pin.
2 2 to 3 metres of the re. 3
Take off the lid.

Aim at the base of Sweep the powder Continue until the

the re.
Push the trigger.
4 at the ames. 5 extinguisher is empty. 6

TO GET HELP
If it is safe to do so, turn Call 000. DIAL 000
off the gas/electricity
at the stove or at the
7 Fireghters will attend. 8
main supply.

MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 9

 SMOKE ALARMS
THE EARLIER A FIRE IS DETECTED, THE GREATER THE
CHANCE OF ESCAPING SAFELY. WORKING SMOKE ALARMS
ARE ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.

WHERE TO INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS

A smoke alarm should be installed outside the sleeping area(s) Dont put a smoke alarm in a bathroom.
of your home. Dont put an ordinary smoke alarm
Install extra alarms inside bedrooms where doors are shut at night. near cooking areas.
Two storey houses often have bedrooms upstairs, and must
also have a smoke alarm downstairs near the path commonly
used to exit the house.

Bedroom 1 Living Room Kitchen

Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2
Smoke Alarm

BIR Toilet
Laundry
Smoke Alarm Toilet
Bedroom 2 Kitchen
Smoke Alarm

Laundry Living Room

Family Room
Toilet
Smoke Alarm

Carport
Bathroom

Entry/
Exit
Bedroom 4 Study

Bedroom 3

Single storey house. Two storey house.

When there are bedrooms at either end of the house, Two smoke alarms required, near bedrooms and
two smoke alarms are required. near commonly used exit.

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 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

MAINTAINING A WORKING UPDATING YOUR

SMOKE ALARM SMOKE ALARM
When you are sleeping you cannot
smell smoke. Smoke alarms save lives.
They wake you and alert you to the
danger from smoke and re.
Smoke alarms in existing homes were
made compulsory in February 1999.
New homes must have wired-in smoke
alarms installed prior to occupancy.
There are two principle types of smoke
Test smoke alarms Vacuum alarms Change the batteries alarms: ionisation and photo-electric.
each week by each month to each year. At the Ionisation smoke alarms detect the
pressing the button. clean them. end of Daylight presence of extremely small particles
Saving change your of smoke. Photo-electric smoke alarms
clock and change detect visible smoke.
your smoke alarm Both ionisation and photo-electric
batteries. smoke alarms provide occupants time
to escape. Photo-electric alarms are now
the technology of choice.
All houses must have a smoke alarm on each level. Ionisation alarms have helped save the
Home owners are legally responsible for installation lives of hundreds of people in Australia.
of alarms in rental properties. The MFB urges all householders to
Smoke alarms should carry the Australian Standard supplement their existing ionisation
symbol. smoke alarms with photo-electric alarms.

BE PREPARED: HAVE A HOME ESCAPE PLAN

A HOME ESCAPE PLAN IS ESSENTIAL This is an example of a home escape plan

FOR PROTECTION IN CASE OF FIRE:
It is important to have two means of exit from
each room.
As you are leaving a room, close the door to
prevent re & smoke from spreading. When
there is smoke, always crawl low to get under
the smoke.
The rst priority is to get out of a burning house.
Alert others as you go.
Phone 000 from the nearest available phone.
Be prepared to give address, name & nearest
cross roads.
When outside, never go back inside the house. 7YLZJOVVS
Arrange a meeting place at the front of the 1st option of escape JOPSKYLU
house, where the occupants know to assemble ^PSSULLK
& wait for the re brigade. 2nd option of escape
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MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 11

 WINTER FIRE SAFETY
MANY PREVENTABLE HOUSE FIRES OCCUR IN
WINTER. PREVENT FIRE. KEEP YOURSELF WARM.
BUT REMEMBER WINTER FIRE SAFETY.

ELECTRIC BLANKETS
If not used carefully electric blankets can start res. Warm your bed by turning your electric
blanket on for half an hour before you
When you take an electric blanket out in Winter, check
retire.
that the wires are completely at and undamaged.
Then turn it off at the controls and the
Electric blankets should be placed perfectly at on the
power source as you are going to bed.
bed, with the controls beside the bed.

WHEAT-FILLED HEAT PACKS

Wheat-lled Heat Packs can help pain, but they
can also be dangerous.
Follow the instructions on the pack carefully.
When heating a wheat-lled heat pack in a
microwave, always place a glass of water next to it.
This will ensure it doesnt dry out and overheat.
A wheat-lled heat pack should be cooled
down on a non-combustible surface
before storing.
Wheat-lled heat packs can ignite, and are
not designed to replace hot water bottles
for warming beds.

CHECK YOUR HOTSPOTS

Keep your house safe during Winter by visiting the
Hotspots website at www.checkyourhotspots.com. CHECK YOUR
Learn about the potential re risks in your home. HOTSPOTS
Download a re safety checklist that you can use to
make sure youre safe.

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 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

HEATERS &
OPEN FIRES
Follow some basic procedures to
avoid res.
When having your heater installed
ensure the instructions from the
manufacturers are followed correctly.
Ensure space is left between the
heater and the wall.
Flues and chimneys require cleaning
once a year.
Anything ammable such as curtains,
clothing, bedding and childrens toys
should never be within one metre of
a heater.
Strong re screens should be securely
placed in front of open res.
Firewood must be stored away from
the re.
Young children must be supervised
at all times in rooms where there are
open res or working heaters.

To protect children, check that their

night clothes are labelled Low Fire
Danger. Natural fabrics, especially
wool, have a Low Fire Danger.

Before you retire for the night or leave your house, ensure res are extinguished and heaters are turned off at
their power source.

CLOTHES DRYERS
Lint is a combustible material.
Lint lters require cleaning each time the dryer does a load.
Allowing the dryer to complete its Cool Down cycle is essential to prevent
overheating.
Always ensure air ow around a clothes dryer.
When not in use, dryers should be turned off at their power source. Similarly,
dryers should be turned off before you retire for the night or leave your home.

MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 13

 SUMMER FIRE SAFETY
HOLIDAYS IN SUMMER BRING THEIR OWN RISKS.
YOUR HOME, HOLIDAY HOME AND CARAVAN NEED
PREPARATION FOR A SAFE SUMMER.

In summer a Total Fire Ban occurs of high temperatures, low humidity For further information telephone
when weather conditions make and high winds. Radio, television and the Victorian Information Bushre
danger from re extremely high. newspapers carry announcements Line on 1800 240 667.
This is often caused by a combination of a Total Fire Ban.

TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS FIREWORKS

ON TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS:
You cannot use an incinerator.
You cannot light a re in the open.
You cannot use solid fuel barbecues.
You cannot light a campre.
To use a welder, a grinder, a solder
or gas cutter outside you must
have a permit from the MFB.
Call 9662 2311.
THERE ARE HEAVY FINES
FOR NOT FOLLOWING
THESE REGULATIONS.
GAS OR ELECTRIC BARBECUES: The use of reworks without a
licence is illegal in Victoria. To
Can be used at home, if they are
obtain a licence contact Victoria
within 20 metres of your house.
Workcover Authority on 9641 1555.
A barbecue can be used in a park,
if it is a xed permanent structure.
But you must have:
a 3 metre area around and above
the barbecue that is clear of all
ammable material.
an adult in attendance at all times.
a hose connected to a tap ready
for use.
a bucket of water ready for use
(minimum of 10 litres of water).
TO GET HELP
DIAL 000

BARBECUES
Protect your children from re
outside the house as well as inside.
There should be an adult in charge of
a lit barbecue at all times.
GAS CYLINDERS
Before using a gas cylinder check its
expiry date.
Ensure that connections on the hose
are tight and there is no leakage.
Check that the hose is intact and
has not perished or cracked.
The quickest and safest way to
rell an empty gas cylinder is via
an exchange program, such as
those found at service stations.
Each full gas cylinder is either
new or has been inspected and
fully reconditioned by a trained
technician.

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 MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY

HOLIDAYS
Before leaving home for a holiday complete this three point check list.

1 2 3

1 Smoke alarms are in working order.

2 Electrical appliances are turned off at the power source and
unplugged.
3 Gutters are clear of leaves and debris. All combustible materials
such as leaves, grass, timber and paper have been removed from
around your home.

SECURITY
Make sure if there is a re you can
get out of your home quickly.
You may have to get out of your
home quickly, so keep your keys in
the locks if possible, or on a hook in
the centre of the door.
OR
Install deadlocks that you can open
from the inside without a key.
Make sure window security grilles

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MFB HOME FIRE SAFETY 3-02/07 15

 MFB AIMS TO PROTECT YOU

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TO GET HELP 000

RESPONSE As long as you feel safe, use your phone.
When re makes phoning from your home
MFB Fireghters are trained
dangerous, call from a neighbours home.
to attend life threatening
medical emergencies. Dial 000.
Dont be surprised if a re Wait.
truck arrives in a medical The operator will say Police, Fire or Ambulance?
emergency. Fireghters will Say Fire.
perform rst aid until an
Wait.
ambulance arrives.
Tell the operator your address and nearest cross
street.
REMEMBER: DIAL 000 AND SAY FIRE.
If you are using a landline phone your home can
be found if you simply say re and leave the
phone off the hook.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE

INFORMATION?
The MFB has many programs to help keep you, your
family, your home, and your workplace safe from re.
These include programs for children, retired groups
and multicultural groups. The MFB also provides
training and advice for safety in the workplace.

This publication is available in Arabic, Chinese,

Croatian, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Polish,
Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese,
Simplied English and Standard English.
We value any feedback on this brochure. If you
have any comments or suggestions, please contact
the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Multicultural
Education Ofcer.

The Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service work in

co-operation because reghters can often get to a
patient rst. A few minutes can save a life.
Fireghters are sensitive to differing cultural and
religious practices, but their rst priority is always the
life of their patient. Please co-operate with them.
P448 02 07
The MFB is the owner of these materials, no part may be produced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Edition 302/07 Brochure design by Mauhaus 03 9349 2255

www.mfb.org.au
T: 9665 4464 TTY: 1300 727 301