Here are a few helpful hints to minimise the risk of a fire breakout in your home or workplace:

•  Keep direct telephone numbers for Fire Brigades posted on or near each telephone.
•  Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
•  Never smoke in bed.
•  Use fireguards in front of open fires.
•  Allow a minimum of one metre space around heaters and do not cover them.
•  Do not run too many appliances off one power socket or power board.
•  Store flammable liquids in a safe place away from naked flames.
•  Never leave anything on the stove unattended.
•  Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in the kitchen, where 2 out of 3 fires start.
•  Ensure that all electric appliances, including electric blankets are switched off and disconnected at the power point before you get into
   bed. Install and maintain smoke alarms.

A smoke alarm could be the best investment you ever make! 90% of Australian homes already have them installed and by installing and maintaining a smoke alarm, you can increase your family's chance of surviving a fire by 50% and the early warning can give you time to minimise damage and put out the fire. Because smoke alarms continuously monitor the air, at the first sign of smoke, an alarm is immediately triggered, ensuring precious time to escape to safety with your family and take action before the flames spread.

Where is the best place to install a smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms should be located on every level of your home and most importantly, in every sleeping area. Ideally this means in a hallway outside the bedrooms of your house.
Smoke alarms should be in a central location servicing rooms where fires typically start, such as kitchens and lounge rooms. There are specifically designed smoke alarms for kitchens to prevent unwanted false alarms generated through cooking.
Maintenance of smoke alarms is easy. Smoke alarms need to be tested weekly and dusted monthly using a vacuum cleaner. It is necessary to replace the batteries annually. Select a significant date such as a birthday, anniversary or daylight savings to change your battery.

House Fires: The Big Killer
Unless it has happened to you, it is difficult to fully contemplate the devastation caused by fire to your home - of seeing your possessions (including your life's memories), your hard earned lifestyle and in the worst case, you loved ones, succumb to this killers indiscriminate rage. Such horror is indeed very, very real. Fortunately you can do much to minimise the likelihood of these worst case scenarios.
Many materials in your home may give off toxic gases when burning. Most victims, who perish in fires, do so from asphyxiation before flames actually reach them. These toxic gases are often invisible and odourless.
Their effects can be lethal. They may cause dizziness, respiratory distress or numbness of pain. Some toxic gases affect the nervous system and reduce muscle control. It is essential that you escape a fire as quickly as possible.

Common Causes of House Fires
•  Children playing with matches or lighters
•  Setting the heat to high on the stove, causing burning of fat spattering
•  Overfilling the saucepan which allow fat or oil to boil over onto a hot plate or burner
•  Unattended Stove
•  Appliances left on at night or when the house is left unattended
•  Furnishings, toys or clothes placed too close to heating appliances where they may accidentally ignite
•  Smoking in bed
•  Faulty electrical appliances
•  Incorrectly installed flues on wood heaters / stoves
•  Stored flammable liquids inappropriately

Protect your home with Open Fire places
Never leave a fire alight in the fireplace when you leave the house or retire for the night. Ensure that all flames and embers are extinguished completely.
Place a metal mesh guard or grate in front of the fire to protect against flying sparks and falling embers.
Ensure good ventilation in your home while fire is burning to avoid accumulation of toxic gases.
Ensure your chimney is cleaned regularly. Mortar and roof timbers should be inspected at the same time.

Fire Safety for Outdoors
Barbecues - an outdoor barbecue is fun, but fire safety needs to be considered. Fire regulations and restriction such as total fire ban days need to be taken into account when planning a barbecue. When using barbecues, ensure that they are surrounded by fire breaks.

Camping
Before lighting a campfire, ensure water is on hand. Clear a three metre area before lighting up and make sure the campfire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.

Burning Off
Obtain appropriate permits and obey the conditions. Contact your local Fire Brigade or municipal council. Have a good firebreak around the area. Ensure enough water, fire equipment and people are present to extinguish the fire. Check the weather forecast for windy conditions. If a moderate strong wind is predicted, do not light a fire.