The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is urging all Queenslanders to formulate an emergency evacuation plan this winter.
QFRS Assistant Commissioner Brisbane Region Ian Mitchell said house fires were more likely to occur throughout the winter months and called on all residents to develop and practice an emergency evacuation plan now.
Last year, 478 house fires occurred during the months of June, July and August.
“A house can become well involved within minutes and every second counts when exiting the home at the first sign of fire,” Mr Mitchell said.
“It’s vital that you have a clear evacuation plan in place to get out in the event of an emergency.
“You can do this by sitting down with the family and identifying all possible exit routes, making sure you cater for all members of the household, including the young, elderly and disabled.
“An emergency evacuation plan also needs to detail a safe assembly point outside of the home where all members of the household will meet immediately after evacuating.”
Mr Mitchell stressed it is not enough to simply prepare an evacuation plan; all residents of the household should put a plan into practice to make sure there are no shortfalls or obstacles.
“It’s particularly important children have the emergency evacuation plan explained to them thoroughly, so they can be best prepared if faced with the need to evacuate,” Mr Mitchell said.
For more information on how to plan an evacuation see http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/home/evacuation.asp.
If a house fire does occur, residents are urged to leave immediately and call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place.
The QFRS offers a free home fire safety visit. To book your Safehome visit, call
1300 369 003, proudly supported by NRMA insurance.
