New to Australia? Five fire safety tips you need to know
It’s Bushfire season in Melbourne, and that can be pretty frightening if you are new to Australia, or if your loved ones live out of state.
In Australia, fires can start easily and spread quickly. Most fires are lit by accidents, and can destroy homes and endanger lives. But you can prevent a fire from starting in your home, this Summer.
Here’s five easy tips to remember, to keep your family and home fire-safe during Summer.
Remember, in the case of any emergencies (including fire) always call 000, Australia’s emergency number.
For more fire safety information available in more than 20 languages, visit: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=207
1. Keep phones, vapes, chargers and batteries cool and uncovered
When phone chargers, vapes and battery packs get too hot, they can explode or spark, causing house fires.When using a charger, vape, phone or a battery pack, make sure that:
– it is kept on a cool flat surface
– it is kept away from direct sunlight or heat
– it is not covered by blankets, cushions, paper or other items
2. Clean gutters and pathways to stop fires spreading
Australia’s hot Summer weather means that grass, trees and plants are often very dry. This makes them more likely to catch fire, so it is important to clear them out from around your home.
Sweeping or hosing driveways, paths, gutters and drains can stop dry, flammable leaves and tree branches from building up and putting your home at risk.
3. Stop fires by disposing of cigarettes safely
If you smoke, it is important to put out your cigarettes properly.
Never throw cigarette butts onto the ground or into bushes or trees.
This is often how bushfires start in Australia.
If you are out in public, use the ashtray provided in the top of garbage bins. If you are at home, use an ashtray and make sure that all ashes are fully soaked with water before throwing them out into a bin.
4. Stop fires starting in your kitchen
In Australia, more than 25% of all preventable fires are caused by cooking.
Never leave items cooking on the stove while you are in another room. Avoid using butane stoves or other open flames with high heat, as these fires can easily spread and cause damage.
Keep your cooking space free of things that easily catch fire, like curtains, dust, oils and fats, paper, gas bottles and chemicals.
Always keep a working smoke alarm in your kitchen.
5. Watch for fire bans in your town or suburb
In Victoria, experts like the Country Fire Authority (CFA) restrict using fires during particular times of year when the weather is dangerously hot, dry or windy. This stops fires spreading and causing harm.
Each town in Victoria has Fire Danger Rating (FDR) signs, and you can check the CFA website for your area each day to make sure you know what to do. If there is a Total Fire Ban, you may not be allowed to do certain activities that could cause dangerous fires to spread, like have a barbecue or a bonfire. The Fire Danger Rating lets you know when it is safe to do activities.
To check the Fire Danger Rating for your town or suburb, visit the link: cfa.vic.gov.au/home/local-information
PLUS: Download the VicEmergency aoo
The VicEmergency app is available for free on all devices, and provides current advice and information on all emergencies that impact Victorians, including fires, traffic delays and accidents. It can help you stay safe and receive the best information from experts.
You can call the VicEmergency hotline for information on 1800 226 226.
Remember, always call 000 if you see a fire.
Visit the links to download the VicEmergency app to your phone.
Apple – https://apple.co/3PfoTXt
Google Play – bit.ly/49Z4Ki2
Stay safe, and fire-free this Summer!