THE recent spate of chilly weather is a fresh reminder to families and households to make sure their Home Fire Escape Plan is up to date, especially as many Victorians are working from home and winter being one of the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria.

As the cold front continues across the state, Fire Rescue Victorian (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) have issued fresh warnings as people are spending more time inside working or staying warm over the winter months.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said it’s imperative to know what to do if a fire occurs in your home.

“An average of 18 people lose their lives in house fires in Victoria every year – that’s 18 too many,” he said.

“Two simple things that can save your life in a house fire include having working smoke alarms in the right places and having a practised Home Fire Escape Plan.

“Whether you live in your home as a homeowner or renter, you should have a Home Fire Escape Plan in place.

“Families who are well-prepared are more likely to escape their homes safely.”

Statistics from FRV and CFA show that young children, along with older people, people with a disability and smokers are at a higher risk of not surviving a fire in their home.

While the dangers of a fire are very real, there are many steps people can take to make sure their families and homes are safe.

Fire Rescue commissioner, Ken Block, said making a Home Fire Escape Plan, which details two ways to get out of every room and identifies a common place to meet, is vital for every home.

“Nobody wants to think about a fire in your home, but sadly every year lives are lost in preventable house fires,” he said.

“Knowing how to quickly exit your home in case of an emergency could mean the difference between life and death.

“Winter is one of the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, due in part to the increased use of home heating, so it is an opportune time to revisit or establish a Home Fire Escape Plan, ensuring your family is well-prepared in the event of a fire.”

More information on how to make a Home Fire Escape Plan is available on the FRV and CFA websites.

When making your Home Fire Escape Plan, remember these important points:

• Know at least two ways out of every room.

• If it is safe, close the door to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

• Crawl low in smoke.

• Alert other people on your way out.

• Get out and stay out. Never go back inside!

• Meet at a safe place at the front of the house such as a letterbox.

• Phone Triple Zero (000) from the nearest available phone such as a neighbour’s house.