Home Fire Safety Tips in Logan

Protect your family with our handy guide

The tragedy of house fires is unfortunately all too common for residents in the Logan area. In September 2015, a family of nine lost their home and treasured family dog in the region’s 51st house fire in a year.

Don’t let your home and family join these shocking statistics. Protect yourselves with these hints and tips.

Smoke detectors save lives

We all hear this message again and again….but when was the last time you checked your home had working smoke detectors, and replaced the batteries? If you’re not sure, then do it – today. Don’t run the risk. All homes in Queensland, including rental properties, must have smoke alarms installed.

What sort of smoke alarm should I get?

You may have heard of photoelectric smoke alarms – but what are they?

There’s two types of smoke alarms. The first is an ionisation alarm, and these comprise about 90% of smoke alarms in Australian homes. They detect combustion and respond to the heat and flame of a fire that is already underway.

The second type of smoke alarm, and the type that comes more recommended, is a photoelectric alarm. These ‘see’ the smoke before a fire takes hold, giving you and your family more warning and time to respond and get to safety.

For a simple explanation, check out this interview with Australia’s leading fire safety expert, David Isaac.

If your home doesn’t have smoke detectors, or they need updating, get some now. The Logan House Fire Support Network website sells everything you need to protect your home from fire danger – photoelectric smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and even a handy smoke alarm tester. They also do some handy money saving bundle packs.

Have a fire escape plan, and practice it

Discuss with your family or flatmates how you’ll get to safety if a fire breaks out, especially if one occurs while you’re sleeping. It’s very important that you prepare and practice an escape plan, that everyone knows what the smoke alarm sounds like, and knows what to do in an emergency. Draw up and practice a fire escape plan.

Use electrics safely

House fires are often caused by faulty electrical appliances, or by the incorrect use of heaters and air conditioners. Follow these simple tips to keep your home protected.

  • Always position clothes, newspapers and magazines and any other flammable materials at least one metre from any heater.
  • When choosing a portable heater or air conditioner, select a model that has an automatic safety switch that will turn it off if it gets tipped over.
  • Position portable heaters and air conditioners away from areas of heavy traffic.
  • Always turn off your heater or air conditioner when going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Keep portable electric heaters and air conditioners away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
  • Regularly check the power cords of appliances for any damage. If you ever have any concerns about the safety of your electrical appliances, contact an electrician.
  • Don’t overload power points or use double adaptors. Where necessary, instead use a 4 outlet power board that has overload protection.

Support for house fire victims

The Logan community has rallied to support those affected by house fire tragedies. If you, or someone you know, has been victim to a house fire, the Logan House Fire Support Network can help. You can also make donations to this valuable group to help them support others in our community.