The most important and effective way to prevent home fires is to identify and remove hazards. A house fire can lead to big losses and even death. There are time-tested ways to prevent and escape a fire. According to statistics, 128 people died from accidental fires in 1998 in Australia. Of the victims, 70 happened in a home fire. Before delving into fire safety, we first need to understand the most common causes of fire in homes.

Top causes of fire in homes

• · Cooking- caused by unattended appliances and stoves.
• · Kids playing with fire
• · Smoking
• · Heating- Can be fuelled-based heating or electrical
• · Candles
• · Fireplaces- Unattended fireplaces
• · Flammables such as petrol, oils in the house
• · Christmas trees- If you let it dry and still proceed to wrap electrical cords around it

As mentioned above the most important thing is safety and as the saying goes- prevention is better than cure.

Tips to help prevent fire in your home

• · Increase general home safety by:
  • o Checking to ensure smoke detectors are working every month.
  • o Always ensuring the cooking stove is attended
  • o Keep matches and other appliances that can cause a fire out of children’s reach
• · Be cautious in the kitchen- Avoid wearing tight or long sleeved clothing while cooking, keep clutter and grease out of the stove surface and ensuring to turn off electronic appliances
• · Install smoke detectors in all levels of your home including the bedroom, kitchen, and basement
• · Have a fire extinguisher installed. In addition, make sure that every member of the family knows how to use it. Keep fire extinguishers out of children’s reach
• · Have a family escape plan. In case of a fire device a plan on what to do and let every family member know
• · Never leave candles unattended
• · Avoid overloading electric appliances to prevent electrical fires
• · Use appliances wisely making sure to replace or repair them when they break down

What to do in case of a fire at home

When it comes to home fires, timing is everything. Your first priority should be to get your family and yourself to safety as fast as you can. This is not time to get your valuables. Below are steps that can save you and your family members in case of a home fire

1. React swiftly as soon as you hear the smoke detector. Get all your family members out of the house as quickly as possible. If you are trapped in a room and notice fire under the door or if the door knob is hot, you may have to escape through the window

2. Prevent smoke inhalation by placing a wet rag or shirt over your mouth. You should do this as you look for a safe exit

3. If your clothes catch fire, stop whatever you are doing, drop and roll on the floor until you put out the fire

4. If you are trapped and can’t escape don’t panic. Take measures to ward off the smoke, make sure the door is closed and cover all the cracks and vents to keep off the smoke as you wait for help

5. Remain calm

Once you get out of the house do a head count to make sure everyone is ok. Call emergency services and get an injury assessment. Make sure to stay as far as possible from the structure

As mentioned above the most effective and important thing to do is to practise safety by removing hazards and practising safe behaviours. Make sure all appliances are working properly, keep fire-igniting devices out of children’s reach, install a smoke detector, and practise safety in the kitchen and your home as a whole.