Home fire escape plan campaign for a safer Queensland

Published Monday, 22 June, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

The Palaszczuk Government has launched a new $400,000 safety campaign to ensure every Queenslander understands the importance of home fire escape plans.

Fire Minister Jo-Ann Miller joined Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll to launch the new campaign “Get out. Fire about.’ today.

“Every Queenslander needs a home fire escape plan. To put it simply, it increases your chance of survival during a house fire,” Minister Miller said.

“We want everyone to have the all-important conversation about how your family will escape your home in the event of a fire. Talk to your friends, flatmates and neighbours too - it could be the difference between life and death.”

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to eliminating house fire fatalities.

“It hasn’t been a great start to winter with two fatal house fires recently, but we are more determined than ever – and our firies need your help.

“By making people aware of the importance of having a well-practiced fire escape plan, we can empower people to help save their own lives as well as the lives of their loved ones.

“We hope this campaign will start conversations about escape plans and assist Queenslanders in their preparations for a fire in their home.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said even though ‘Get out, fire about!’ was launched as part of the winter fire safety campaign, home fire escape plans should be a consideration all year round.

“Traditionally, QFES firefighters attend more house fires during the winter months - but having a working smoke alarm and well-practiced fire escape plan is vital, regardless of the time of year,” Ms Carroll said.

“Just as having a photoelectric smoke alarm is essential to alerting your family to a fire, so is having a home fire escape plan.

“I do not want anyone to learn about fire safety by mistake, which often is the reality for many families who are faced with the situation.”

Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said the State Coroner made a number of recommendations after the tragic 2011 Slacks Creek fire, including the need to focus on practiced escape plans.

“The devastating fire in Slacks Creek remains Australia’s worst fatal house fire. No one in our community will ever forget that dark day in our history,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Sadly, we’ve had more tragedy this year too with the death of a little boy in a house fire in Beenleigh.

“That’s why this investment into fire safety is so important. It’s vital to prevent house fire deaths in the future.

“Residents who come from linguistically diverse backgrounds are urged to help translate for members of their family and community to better understand fire safety precautions.”

The ‘Get out, fire about!’ campaign will be rolled out online, on social media and through radio stations across Queensland from today.

To learn more about fire escape plans and view the advertisement visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/fireescape

QFES also offers a free service to assist residents with fire safety around their home. To book your Safehome visit, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] June 22 2015

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185

QFES Media: 3635 3310