On average, there are 3,000 house fires in Victoria. Most could be prevented by taking simple precautions.

Prevent fires in your home

Heaters, chimneys, electric blankets and clothes dryers can become a fire risk, particularly if they have been sitting unused for a period of time.

• Book a licensed gas-fitter to check your gas heater
• Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cracks, rust and debris
• Check electric blankets for kinks in the wiring
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer (and continue to do this after every use)
• Check appliances for visibly frayed or damaged wiring
• Complete the Home Fire Safety Checklist to see if you’ve done everything you can to protect you and your family.
• Launch the Hotspot House to see how to keep your home safe

Only working smoke alarms save lives

Without a working smoke alarm in your home you are:

• 57% more likely to suffer property loss and damage
• 26% more likely to suffer serious injury
• Four times more likely to die in a residential fire than people with a working smoke alarm.

A working smoke alarm provides you with early warning of a fire and gives you time to escape safely. When you are asleep, you can’t smell smoke.
It is law in Victoria to have at least one smoke alarm on each level of every home, however an extra smoke alarm in every bedroom where the door is closed when sleeping is recommended.
Learn more about smoke alarms, including how to install, test, clean and replace them and their batteries.

Get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)

Would your family know what to do if a fire started in your home?

• Get down low and stay out of smoke.
• If it’s safe, close doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
• Alert other people on your way out.
• Get out and stay out.
• Meet at a safe place such as the letterbox outside your home.
• Call 000 (triple zero) from a mobile phone or a neighbours phone. Ask for FIRE when the call is connected.
• Prepare a home fire escape plan and practice escaping quickly and safely.

Does someone you know need your help?

Of people who died in a house fire over the last 10 years:

• More than half did not have a working smoke alarm
• Two thirds were over 65 or had a disability
• Nearly two thirds lived alone

Think about older relatives, neighbours, friends or adult children who’ve recently moved out of home. Assist a loved one – check their smoke alarm, prepare an escape plan and complete a home fire safety checklist.

Links and resources

Escape Plan and Home Fire Safety Checklist (PDF 291k)
Your Home Fire Safety booklet (PDF 12MB)
Therapeutic Wheat Bags information sheet (DOC 45k)