Making fire safety a holiday tradition

ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) is asking the community to make fire safety part of their holiday traditions as Canberrans begin to celebrate the festive season.

Each year ACTF&R respond to numerous house fires with many started by unattended cooking, unsafe candles, cigarette use, and faulty or non-compliant electrical equipment.

ACTF&R A/g Chief Officer Glenn Brewer asked that while Canberrans enjoy this festive time with friends, families and loved ones, please keep fire safety in mind. 

“By following a few seasonal safety tips, we can help ensure your homes are fire free, and everyone can safely enjoy the season,” Chief Officer Brewer said.

 

Tips for a safe festive season:

  1. Never overload your power boards
  2. If you have any concerns about the safety of Christmas decorations dispose of them safely or get them checked by a licensed electrical contractor
  3. Always turn off lights before going to bed or leaving the house
  4. Blow out candles before leaving the room
  5. Not allowing smoking in the home is the safest way to prevent fires. Be especially watchful of any smoker who is drinking alcohol or may smoke in bed
  6. Stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove
  7. If you're putting up a fresh Christmas tree, keep the base of the trunk in water at all times to prevent it drying out too quickly
  8. Check you have a working smoke alarm
  9. Make sure everyone knows two ways to get out of your home. Plan and practice a home fire escape plan with family members and holiday guests.

 

To help your kids be fire safe too, Sparky the fire dog has a great range of educational videos and printable resources on the ESA website. These are also great to help keep the kids entertained during the holidays.

For information and tips on how you can Be Emergency Ready this season visit www.esa.act.gov.au