At home is where we should feel the safest, and while many Aussies spend countless dollars on security alarms and camera systems, we should also be aware of and take preventative measures to prevent fire risks. With thousands of residential fire incidents reported in Australia each year, it’s absolutely essential that homeowners and occupants follow a few simple fire-safety tips to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones. Read on to find out more.
Have a Fire Safety Plan
Fire can spread rapidly, and having a comprehensive fire safety plan can be the difference between life and death. First and foremost, it’s vital to install smoke detectors in your home. With regulations vary across the country, having working smoke detectors has been proven to save lives. Regular testing of these devices and changing the batteries at least twice a year ensures they function correctly when needed.
Creating an escape plan is another vital aspect of fire safety. This plan should include multiple exits from each room, designated meeting points outside, and regular practice drills with all family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Additionally, keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, using electrical appliances safely, and being mindful of cooking practices can significantly reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home. Having a fire extinguisher readily accessible in key areas such as the kitchen can also provide peace of mind.
Lastly, consider conducting regular inspections of your home’s wiring and heating systems by professionals to identify potential hazards before they become serious issues.
Investing in Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices designed to combat small fires before they escalate into larger emergencies. Understanding how to choose the right type of fire extinguisher and maintain it properly is paramount for ensuring safety in your home.
When selecting a fire extinguisher, consider the types of fires you may encounter. There are several classes of extinguishers, each suited for different materials:
- Class A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper
- Class B for flammable liquids such as petrol and oil
- Class C for flammable gases like natural gas and propane
- Class D specifically for combustible metals like aluminium
- Class E for electrical devices and appliances such as heaters and fans
- Class F for cooking fats and oils
When a fire extinguisher is rated for more than one class of fire, it is expressed in alphabetical order, for example, a popular extinguisher the 4.5kg Dry Chemical Powder which has a rating of 4A:60B:C:E which means it is rated for A, B, C and E fire types.
The number in front of the letter is used to rate the performance of an extinguisher during testing, based on its fire extinguishing potential, as outlined in Australian Standards AS/NZS 1850.
While there are some multi-purpose extinguishers available which can tackle various fire types, there is no one extinguisher type which works on all classes of fire.
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate extinguisher, proper maintenance is vital. Regularly inspect your fire extinguisher to ensure it’s in good working condition – check the pressure gauge, look for any signs of damage or corrosion, and ensure that the nozzle is clear. It’s recommended to have your fire extinguishers serviced annually by a professional to guarantee their reliability in an emergency.
In addition to choosing and maintaining your fire extinguishers, it’s important to educate everyone in your home about their location and proper usage – this will enhance safety measures and ensure every occupant is prepared should a fire occur.
Smoke Alarms – Installation and Maintenance Tips
Smoke detectors are one of the most critical components in protecting lives and property. For Australian homes, smoke detectors come in two main types – ionisation smoke alarms. These have a small amount of radioactive material inside which sense smoke particles in the air, and photoelectric alarms which use a photocell, beaming a small light away from the smoke alarm. If the light identifies smoke particles in the air, the alarm goes off. Photoelectric technology is more sensitive to the large smoke particles produced by smouldering fires meaning a fire can be detected sooner – this is why photoelectric smoke alarms are favoured by all Australian state fire authorities.
Most of Australia’s fire authorities also favour hard wired alarms, this means the smoke alarm is connected to your home’s electrical supply with a battery powered backup. If, for some reason, your fire alarms can’t be connected to your mains power, battery powered smoke alarms can be used, in most cases they will require a 10-year lithium battery.
To ensure that your smoke alarms function effectively, it’s essential to follow best practices for both installation and maintenance.
Choose the Right Location – Each state and territory has different requirements for the number of smoke alarms required for homes, however, for optimal safety it’s recommenced to install smoke alarms on every level of your home. You can also choose to install one inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Avoid placing them near kitchens or bathrooms where steam or cooking fumes may trigger false alarms.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines – Always adhere to the specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer, including the use of appropriate mounting hardware and ensuring that the alarm is securely attached.
Test your smoke alarms monthly twice a year – This simple action ensures that the alarm is functioning properly.
Replace batteries at least once a year or whenever you hear an intermittent chirping sound indicating low battery power.
Smoke detectors have a limited lifespan – replace them every ten years to ensure reliability.
Stay Safe with Fire Safety Equipment from Safety Dave
Safety is our name, and it’s our mission to make high-quality safety gear accessible to all Australian homes and businesses. From fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to first aid kits, rear vision camera kits and tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and customers all over Australia rely on us for the highest quality products at affordable prices. Reach out to our team today to discuss your safety needs. Call 1800 498 657 now.
