December 23, 2013
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is urging all Queenslanders to put safety first over the Christmas and New Year’s break.
North Coast Region Acting Assistant Commissioner John Bolger urged residents to be “fire safe” over the holidays, especially if using candles as a Christmas decoration.
“Never, under any circumstances, leave a fire or candle unattended or leave children or pets unsupervised near an open fire,” Mr Bolger said.
“Campfires should only be lit in an open and safe area, contained in a fire pit and be less than one metre square in size. You should always extinguish a campfire with water and never with dirt or sand.
“Before lighting up the barbecue for Christmas lunch, remember to test your gas cylinders and barbecue hoses and valves.
“It’s also important to take the time to make sure that all electrical appliances that get a lot of use during summer like fans, air conditioners and Christmas lights, are in good working condition and checked by a qualified electrician.”
Mr Bolger said there were two steps that would increase all Queenslanders’ chances of survival during a house fire.
“Step one is to have a working smoke alarm, to wake you up. Step two is to have a fire escape plan, to get you out,” he said.
“A house can become well-involved with smoke and fire within a few minutes and every second counts when exiting your home.”
If a house fire does occur, residents are urged to leave immediately and call Triple Zero from a safe place.
Mr Bolger also reminded north coast residents that despite recent summer storms, bushfire season wasn’t yet over.
“Visitors and travellers need to consider the real potential for a vegetation fire when on the road and camping over the Christmas break,” he said.
