Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111

Taking care of electronic devices and appliances

Chances are, you've got dozens of battery-powered devices and electrical appliances scattered around your home. Each of these devices carries a fire safety risk. Here are some tips for using appliances safely.

On this page

  • Batteries, chargers & multi-plugs
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Li-ion battery safety
  • Appliances
  • Leads and cords

Batteries, chargers & multi-plugs

Heat-generating devices include anything that produces heat when in use, even small appliances like hairdryers and toasters.

  • Remember if it heats or cools, it plugs into the walls.
  • Chargers and cords are not damaged, modified or used with incompatible devices.
  • Devices with lithium batteries are not used or charged after being dropped of damaged.
  • Electrical cords aren’t frayed, damaged or modified.
  • Electrical cords aren't coiled, or underneath carpet or bedding.
  • Charging takes place on a hard, flat surface.

Lithium-ion batteries

These days, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes and e-scooters to vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of.

Appliances

Chances are, you've got dozens of appliances scattered around your home. Each of these devices carries a fire safety risk. Here are some tips for using appliances safely.

  • Turn off appliances when not in use. If practical, unplug them at the wall as well.
  • Keep all electrical appliances away from water.
  • When buying second hand appliances, ensure they've been tested by a licensed electrician or gas fitter, and have been certified as safe.
  • Do not place fans, heaters, televisions or other electrical equipment in areas without good airflow, as they may overheat.
  • If you're worried about the conditions of any appliances (like electric blankets, heaters, air conditioners or fans), have them checked by a qualified electrician.

Leads and cords

  • Don't overload multi-boards. At most, plug in one appliance per wall or multi-board socket.
  • Never plug an adaptor or multi-board into another adaptor or multi-board.
  • Make sure leads and cords are in good condition and not frayed.
  • Never put extension cords under carpets or mats, and avoid using them while they are tightly coiled.
  • Ensure furniture does not rest on top of electrical leads.
  • Remember that extension cords are not designed to be permanent replacements to your home's internal wiring.