July 2009     New research revealing a third of NSW children wouldn’t know what to do in a home fire, has prompted leading insurer GIO and the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) to urge parents to teach their children about the importance of home fire safety these school holidays.

“House fires most commonly start in the kitchen with cooking the leading cause, so it is concerning to learn that almost 10 per cent of parents allow their children to cook unsupervised,” Mr Rogers, Executive General Manager GIO Personal Insurance, said.

“GIO’s research also shows that one in four households have experienced a home fire at some point, so it is alarming to find that nearly one-quarter of parents admit they have not spoken to their children about fire safety.

In recent weeks firefighters have been working around the State (NSW) to alert people to the higher risk of fires in the home in winter, particularly from fires starting in the kitchen or from heating equipment such as heaters and fireplaces.

NSWFB Deputy Commissioner Ken Thompson said that the school holidays were the perfect time for the whole family to get together to discuss fire prevention measures and develop a home fire escape plan. 

“A home fire can be devastating and potentially fatal, so adequate safety equipment and education can make all the difference.

“Families should develop a home fire escape plan – identifying two exits from each room where possible – and ensure they practice it regularly with all family members, especially young children.

“By arming residents with the information they need to minimise fire risks around the home, we hope to help them protect their families as well as the homes and lifestyles they have worked so hard to build,” Mr Rogers concluded.

Follow these simple steps to keep your kids safe in the kitchen:

•    Keep young children away from the stove top and oven when cooking
•    Never leave cooking unattended on the stovetop
•    Turn pot and pan handles inwards so they won’t be knocked over
•    Install a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen and know how to use them
•    Ensure that all cooking appliances are turned off after use

More information on kitchen fire safety can be found at NSW Fire Brigade

From a media release by the Minister for Emergency Services, July 19, 2009 

This research was released as the Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, officially launched a three-year Major Community Partnership between the NSWFB and leading insurance company, GIO.

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