Are you prepared?

With the current catastrophic bushfires, it may be time to reflect on our own safety, we need to consider how we will respond if an emergency were to occur within our home or work environment.

All homes and businesses are different which is why we must take a step back and consider the environment in which we live and work, typical emergencies may include:

1. Fire
2. Security
3. Medical
4. Electrical or Mechanical process
5. Environmental such as storms

Have you considered how you will respond?

Have you practiced responding to different emergencies?

There are safeguards you can put in place to protect you including:

Fire:

• Have interconnected smoke detectors in all your bedrooms and in the hallways.
• Check your smoke detectors regularly.
• Have a written escape plan.
• Practice an evacuation, particularly if you have children.
• If you live in an apartment make sure you attend an evacuation drill, this should be organised by your body corporate committee.
• Install a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in your kitchen.
• Never leave cooking or any open flame such as candles unattended.
• Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer, every time you use it.
• Do not overload power points.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children and educate them on fire safety.
• Keep gutters clean, particularly if you live in a bushfire prone area.

Security:

• Make sure you lock your car and home.
• Use caution when opening the door to a stranger.
• If you live in an apartment install a fire approved peep hole in your door.  Installation will be required by a passive fire technician, please contact Hartec for additional information.
• Install a surveillance camera, even a dummy camera may deter a criminal.
• If you go away ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home and remove flyers and newspapers from your letterbox and lawn.
• Put some lights on a timer.

Medical

• Complete or refresh your first aid skills annually.
• Keep a current first aid kit.
• Keep medications out of reach of children.
• If you require medical equipment, ensure it is regularly serviced and cleaned.

Electrical or Mechanical

• Have your switchboard checked by an electrician annually.
• Have all your under-sink hoses checked annually by a plumber.
• Keep a torch handy for power failures.
• Learn how to manually open gates and garages if required.
• Learn how to turn the water off to your house in case of a burst pipe.

Environmental:

• Keep your gutters clean and clear of tree branches.
• Extreme heat or cold – make sure your appliances work as required and remember your elderly family may need assistance.
• If required call the State Emergency Service (SES) - 132500

In the Event of an Emergency - dial 000

If you have a speach impairment you may text to - 106

SES - 132500

Your Workplace:

Your place of employment is required by Workplace Health and Safety Regulations to ensure all employees receive fire training and attend a fire drill annually.  They are also responsible for ensuring all their fire appliances and fire doors are maintained in line with required preventative maintenance schedules.  Hartec can assist with these requirements if there is a shortfall and would welcome the opportunity to assist.

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