Your Home
Knowing what to do in a fire and keeping a cool head could save your life and help you save others.
Read advice from the experts on what to do if a fire breaks out.
Get a FREE Smoke Alarm!
Most fire deaths happen in homes without a working smoke alarm. Read all about them here and how to claim a 10-year alarm for free.
Garages & Sheds
Stored belongings, spare petrol, paper recycling, tins of paint - garages and sheds are often full of fire hazards.
Keep them clear of clutter, obstructions and anything that could cause or worsen a fire (e.g. flammable liquids, piles of paper).
They're also good locations to fit Smoke Alarms and for displaying Fire Action Plans that have already been created.
Flammable Liquids
Petrol, paraffin, thinners, solvents and other flammable liquids - even gloss paints - should be used and stored with great care.
- keep them in their proper containers and make sure they're clearly marked
- keep them away from heat sources and flammable clutter - rags, papers etc
- keep them locked in a cupboard outside in a shed or garage, not in the house
- if the place they're stored catches fire, tell any firefighters who come what's in there
Rubbish & Clutter
Piles of old clothes, plastic packaging, newspapers etc. are a great place for fires to get started and a potential source of noxious fumes.
- keep on top of your recycling and household rubbish
- don't allow stuff to build up anywhere near heat sources, electrical sockets or appliances
- keep it neat - stacked or boxed papers don't catch light or burn nearly so easily
Gas Bottles (propane and butane)
Propane and butane gas bottles are pressurised containers and can be very dangerous if they're involved in a fire - even when empty.
- take empty bottles back to a dealership as soon as possible or have them collected
- keep them away from strong heat sources (inside a unit they're designed for is okay)
- read instructions for use carefully
