Ten Step Fire Prevention Plan

In response to the high number of devastating house fires that occur each winter, Wormald
has produced a 10-step plan to assist homeowners reduce the threat to their families and property by preparing
the home in case of fire.

In Australia each year some seventy people die as a result of house fire and more than 1,000 people suffer from
serious burns in house fires*. Simple measures such as selecting the right fire safety equipment for the home and
preparing a response to fire can mean the difference between life and death.

Use the following ten-step plan to prepare the home this winter:

1. Install smoke alarms or check your existing alarms are working and clean and replace batteries if required

2. Buy a fire blanket and locate it where it can be easily reached in an emergency. Near the kitchen door is ideal as
most fires start in the kitchen

3. Install a portable fire extinguisher. Check with your local fire service which model best suits your home and make
sure the whole family knows how to operate it

4. Create a fire escape plan for your home and display the plan in a central area of the house. Keep a key in the inside
deadbolt to ensure you can leave quickly

5. Train your family in an evacuation procedure and agree on an assembly area. Make sure the whole family knows
how to call the fire service

6. Know what to do if clothing catches fire. Don’t Run, Remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL

7. Take care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended. Turn pot handles inwards

8. Heat your home safely. Place heaters at least one metre from flammable items such as curtains, bedding and furniture

9. Practice safe smoking. Wet down cigarette butts before disposing of them and never smoke in bed

10. Have an electrician check the electrical wiring throughout the home and keep electrical appliances in good working order

Fire Safety Factsheets

Australian Government Emergency Management - Bushfire Action Guide