Bushfire season is now upon us and it is so important to take the time to prepare a fire safe exit plan to protect yourself, your family, and your home against fire, should the worst occur.
When coming up with a plan, it is important that there is at least two exits out of every room, either through a door or window. The traditional fixed security window screens cannot be removed easily, so it is worth investing in an openable security screen solution in each room.
If windows and/or security screens are lockable, make sure that the key is accessible to everyone in the home, and are easily operated.
If you have fixed window security screens on your windows, be prepared to break the glass, the best way to do this is to start at the top and work your way down, use something against the window to protect yourself from being cut.
Consider the needs of the elderly, children and people with disability in your home, allocate responsibility to ensure these members of the household get out safely. Once escape routes are in place, make sure that these exits do not get obstructed by clutter, make sure everyone in the home knows the plan, how to alert someone if they need help, and where to meet once out of the home.
For more information on how to create a fire safety exit plan at your home, visit QLD Government Fire & Safety, it provides a helpful checklist on things to consider when creating a plan of escape.
