Candle and oil burner usage can be a serious fire hazard if used improperly.

• Never leave an oil burner or candle alight when you leave home or while you sleep
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use in a safe area where they won’t be knocked over and away from small children and pets.
• Don’t leave candles or oil burners near curtains or other flammable objects and liquids.
• Don’t restrict the airflow to oil burners.
• Don’t use spirits or petroleum products in oil burners.
• Ensure candles are in suitable candle holders and placed on a fire resistant surface such as a ceramic, metal or glass plate.
• Make sure there is clear space above and around candles. Do not place them under curtains, near paperwork, or on Christmas trees.

• Never leave lit cigarettes unattended.
• Store matches and lighters away from children.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Make sure all smoking materials are properly put out before disposing.
• Use deep-sided ashtrays as an additional safeguard, and empty them regularly.
• Empty ashtrays frequently into an outside bin ensuring that all cigarette remnants and matches are extinguished first.
• Check furniture for cigarette butts and ashes before going to bed. Cigarette embers can smoulder unnoticed and later burst into flame.
• E-cigarettes or vapes can cause fires or small explosions from battery failures. Use only the charger provided with your device, replace the batteries if they become wet or damaged, and do not leave it to charge unsupervised or overnight.

If you have pets make sure to include them in your fire escape plan, and practises. Think about how you will get them out of the house. Will the sound of the smoke alarms cause them to panic? Consider desensitising your pets to the smoke alarm by regularly pressing the test button. This will help you know where they are likely to hide in an emergency. Keep a lead or carrier near your exit paths. 

Fire Blankets

A fire blanket is a piece of fire-resistant fabric that can be used to smother a small fire or wrap around a person whose clothing is alight.

• Store your fire blankets where they can be easy retrieved yet away from areas likely to catch fire. For example, store the fire blanket near the entrance to the kitchen not near the stove.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions located on the front of the cover.
• Your fire blankets should comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3504:2006 - Fire blankets.

How to use a fire blanket

For a stove-top fire:

• Pull down sharply on the tabs hanging from the bottom of the package to release the fire blanket.
• Hold it in front of you, with the fabric rolled back at the edges to protect your hands.
• Place the fire blanket over cooking fat fires, keeping hands and face protected behind it. Do not throw the blanket. Keep the edges of the blanket clear of the fire as flames could run up the blanket to your hands.
• Turn off the heat source and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has dissipated.
• Dial Triple Zero (000) to call the fire service.

For a clothing fire:

• Wrap the blanket around the flames and person.
• Get them to drop to the ground and, with their hands covering their face, to roll until the fire is out.
• Seek medical assistance.

Fire extinguishers 

Fire extinguishers are a useful firefighting tool to have in your home. A Dry Chemical Powder (AB(E)) fire extinguisher is suitable for most household fires due to its effectiveness against most types of fires. These extinguishers have a white band around the middle. A one kilogram Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher will last approximately 10 to 12 seconds.

• All fire extinguishers must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 - Portable fire extinguishers - General requirements.
• Store your fire extinguishers somewhere easy to get that is away from areas likely to catch fire. Such as at the entrance to the kitchen, not inside the kitchen.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to properly use the extinguisher.
• Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure correct pressure.
• Contact your local council for information on disposal options.
• Maintain your fire extinguisher to make sure it will work when you need it. Monitor the pressure gauge for correct pressure and shake it occasionally to prevent the powder from settling.
• Get your extinguisher pressure tested by a professional every five years. 

You should only use a fire extinguisher if:

• you are not putting your safety at risk
• all other people have been removed from the area
• you know the extinguisher is suitable for the types of flammable materials on fire,
• you have made sure that the extinguisher is non-conducting if the fire could include an electrical connection, and
• you can quickly put out the fire. 

How to use an extinguisher

The easiest way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is PASS.

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher at the bottom of the handle and pull the pin to ready it.
• Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle to start the extinguisher.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire.