• When you’re asleep you won’t smell smoke from a fire
• Electrical appliances cause 40% of house fires
• You are twice as likely to die in a house fire without a working smoke alarm
• The most common house fire cause is from unattended cooking followed by faulty electrical appliances, heaters, cigarettes and candles
• Many household fires are caused by someone making a mistake – a moment of carelessness, forgetfulness or neglect
• Children under five and people aged 65 years and over are twice as likely to get caught in a house fire
• Many people do not have a fire safety escape plan, fire extinguisher or blanket for use in case of an emergency

In just two minutes, a fire can become lift-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Scary isn’t it! This doesn’t give you much time to think about how to get yourself or family member to safety. Taking the time to an escape plan in place with your family, friends or boarders could potentially save a life.

An Escape Plan will ensure you know the best escape locations around your home with an active course of action should you become trapped by fire. When designing an escape plan, everyone in the home should be included. Make sure everyone knows the plan of escape as well as where to meet should you become separated during a fire emergency.

You should consider escape locations, meeting places and the best times to call for help. This plan can also be used for other emergency situations. If you have children, helping them know what to do can assist in managing panic and fear should the worst ever happen.

How do you make a fire plan? Here are a few elements to consider when making a plan:

• Draw a floor plan so you can review ways to escape from each room
• Keep door and window keys easily accessible
• Try to keep all exits clear
• Decide on a meeting point that is a safe distance from the house (letterbox, clothesline, at a neighbours home, a nearby street sign)
• Remind everyone that when you get out – you stay out. Never return into a burning building
• Practice! It is essential that everyone in the household knows what to do in the event of a Fire.

And remember to get down low, as smoke can cause damage to the lungs and death. If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL.

If your curious about what your child/children would do if faced with a house fire, put them to the test! Do you think you’ll like the outcome?

It’s important for children to learn about the dangers of fire, in all circumstances. There are many different ways to bring this to a child’s attention. Information is power, if we can teach children what to do in these situations, they will be able to protect themselves if you are separated.

Here are some essential points:

1. First things first, Teach them your escape plan. Children can be overwhelmed with fear, a step by step plan of what to do is key for a child’s survival when faced with uncommon happenings.
2. Practice makes perfect, it’s not enough to talk about it once. Children’s brains are contently growing with new information. Ideally hanging up your escape plan and practising the plan at least twice a year.
3. When there’s no way out. In the instance of getting trapped by fire, the most important thing to remember is to close the door. Put bedding or cloth under the door to block off any smoke that will seep through.
4. Wait for help, Firefighters have breathing mask that can look intimidating to children. Make sure that they know what the firefighter gear looks like, so they don’t get scared and hide.
5. Stop, drop and roll. A key point to save your life, when caught on fire. Most kids first instincts will be to run away which will only make it worse.
6. Once out stay out – Call 000 – stay safe. Your life can’t be replaced.