Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have called on families around the State to make themselves ready for a fast arriving winter.
Invited to ‘get ready, get set, get house fire prepped’ this winter, the households will be guided by a new digital advertising campaign reminding Queenslanders of the importance of having a fire escape plan and smoke alarms, as long as they’re working.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said winter marked the peak season for house fires State-wide with QFES crews responding to approximately 40 incidents each week during the colder months.
“House fires can impact anyone, in any type of home and can move quickly,” Mr Ryan said, “but we know that families with young children have the added consideration of making sure very small children get out safely too.”
“Having a clear, simple and well-practised fire escape plan and working smoke alarms will save lives because it gives you the earliest warning of a fire and a clear plan to get out quickly.”
He said everyone, especially young families, should plan what they will do in an emergency.
Mr Ryan said creating a fire escape plan was quick and easy.
“Making and practising a plan is quick, easy and can even make something scary, fun for children,” the Minister said.
“QFES even has a fire education program specifically designed for teachers and their Year 1 students.”
He urged all Queenslanders to’ get ready, get set and get house fire prepped’ this winter.”
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said almost half the State’s house fires started in the kitchen.
“It’s important to remember to never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable items like tea towels and oven mitts away from cooking areas and keep the saucepan lid handy as it could be used to smother a fire,” Mr Leach said.
“Our firefighters are ready to respond to house fires but families need to be prepared, have a fire escape plan in place and remember to be vigilant when using cooking equipment, heaters or electrical items,” he said.
Mr Leach also reminded residents to switch to interconnected smoke alarms before the State-wide deadline in 2027.
“When one alarm goes off, they all go off, and every second counts in a house fire so the earlier you are warned, the better your chances are to get out safely,” he said.
