MEDIARELEASE December 26th, 2009
Kidsafe and the MFB issue red alert over home fire escape plans
Kidsafe and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) urge families to use the holiday time to
practice their fire escape plan with their children. This is particularly important during the
summer holidays as risk of bushfire is heightened ,
families may be on holidays in
unfamiliar destinations and also spending more time at home.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria cautioned, “Parents need to ensure that they
prepare a home escape plan with their children as a matter of urgency, particularly when
holidaying in an unfamiliar destination. Teach your children what to expect in a fire.”
Commander Frank Stockton from MFB’s Community Education Department recommends
Preventing injury in the case of a fire is about being prepared. Kidsafe and the MFB provide
the following tips to parents:
At Home
Install smoke alarms; test them monthly and replace their batteries each year at the
end of daylight saving. The MFB recommends photo-electric smoke alarms.
Regularly practice a home escape plan
Have fire extinguishers and fire blankets easily accessible in your home; place these
at least three metres away from the potential source of a fire, such as a stove, oven or
fireplace, to ensure access is not impeded.
Keep emergency numbers by the phone
When camping
Prepare a fire escape plan based on your area; involve your children in the planning
of this so they are more aware of what they need to do in case of an incident.
Ensure you have a clearly designated meeting place
If you light the fire, you must put it out before going to bed or leaving the camp.
Many bush fires start because camp fires have been left unattended.
Ensure there is a first aid kit on site and preferably a first aid trained adult.
Check with authorities if any fire restrictions are in place.
In Case of a Fire
Teach children to ‘Get down low and go, go, go’ when there is smoke in the area
If a child’s clothes catch on fire, teach them to ‘Stop, drop, cover and roll.’
Teach children to phone 000 so they can call the fire service in the case of a fire
All families should be prepared for a fire by discussing and implementing these simple
strategies with their children. By following these steps you are minimising the risk of fire-
related injury or death to your child.
Media Enquiries
Ron Smith, Kidsafe Corporate Media Communications: 0417 329 201
Mark Stokes, President, Kidsafe Victoria: 0408 038 267 Available In Melbourne Today
MFB: Frank Stockton, Manager, Community Education, MFB, 0417 549 704
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