Winter solstice the perfect time to practice fire escape plan

This Wednesday, 21 June marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, and a perfect time for all Queensland households to practice their fire escape plan.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the longer night provided families a chance to prepare and practice the actions they would take if a fire broke out in their home.

“If a real fire occurs, it can be very difficult to see clearly due to thick smoke, so practicing at night with the lights turned off makes the drill more realistic,” Mr Ryan said.

“The winter solstice allows for more time than any other night of the year to practise your fire escape plan. In a real fire, every second counts.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late. I urge all Queenslanders to turn off the lights in their homes this Wednesday night and practice their fire escape plan as it could be lifesaver one day.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the winter solstice provided a window of opportunity for family members to go through each step on their fire escape plan in detail.

“Start by sitting down at the dinner table with all members of your household and writing out a fire escape route, including a few exits from each room if possible,” Ms Carroll said.

“Next, put it into practice. Get down on the ground and crawl out of your home as if there was smoke, exit via a door or window, and meet at the agreed safety point, which could be your letter box.    

“This is also a terrific time to teach children the importance of stop, drop and roll, as well as practicing how to call Triple Zero (000) to report a fire emergency.

“Once everyone is comfortable with how to escape from each room, turn out the lights and run through your escape plan again, this time in the dark.

“While Wednesday’s winter solstice is a great chance to practice your household’s fire escape plan, don’t let it stop there.

“Regular practice runs of your plan will give your family the best possible chance to escape if a fires breaks out.”

To find out more about fire safety and how to create a fire escape plan, visit: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/fireescape/.

ENDS

Media contacts: Minister’s office             07 3035 8300