• Ensure that all power cords are not frayed or damaged.

• Dont overload powerpoints. Use a powerboard with an overload switch instead.

• Place matches and lighters away from childrens reach at all times.

• Clear your garden of dead leaves, branches, grass and general rubbish which will only encourage fires.

• Keep everything at least 1 metre from heaters.

• Have the chimney or flu cleaned and checked before lighting the first winter fire.

• Always place a screen in front of the fire place.

• Never leave a burning candle, oil burner or incense unattended.

• Ensure all residents are familiar with how to use fire blankets and extinguishers.

• Never leave cooking unattended.

• Ensure that no curtains, tea towels or other flammable materials are left near cook tops, heaters or open fires.

• Ensure electric blankets are turned off after use.

• If you are storing petrol keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage.

• Store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labelled containers with tight-fitting lids. Use and store flammable liquids away from sources of heat or flame.

• Never smoke near flammable liquids.

PLANNING IS A LIFE SAVER

• Put in place a fire evacuation plan for the entire family highlighting evacuation exits, an outside emergency meeting point and at least two exit points from every room.
• When two people have arrived at the meeting point, one should leave to call for help and the other should stay to help with the rest of the family.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

Step 1 - Account for all people in the house.
Step 2 - Get down low and GO, GO, GO.
Step 3 - If clothes catch fire " STOP, DROP and ROLL.
Step 4 - Phone the Fire Brigade from a neighbours home.
Step 5 - If burnt, put the burn under cold water straight away.
Step 6 - Never go back into a burning building.

When evacuating from a fire, feel the closed door for heat before opening it. If its warm, take an alternate route. Dont open the door.

SMOKE ALARMS

• Install a smoke alarm next to or in each bedroom, and one on each additional level of your home. The "early warning notification" may be a lifesaver.

• Always remember to test your smoke alarm every month.

• Replace the battery each year and never borrow batteries from a smoke alarm.

• Dont underestimate the importance of smoke alarms.

• Ensure your kitchen has an easily accessible fire blanket and fire extinguisher.

• Always turn pot handles inwards. Handles that stick out can be easily bumped or grabbed by children.

• Remember, the kitchen is a dangerous area not a play area!

• Never leave cooking unattended.

• Keep appliances clean. Grease build-up may catch fire.