News

Student Fire Safety

Fire Safety Information for students living away from home.

Download Student Fire Safety Brochure (3.9Mb)

Keep Yourself Safe:

In a Fire;

• Get down on the floor. Crawl to the door
• Get out of your room
• Close the door. This prevents smoke and fire from spreading
• Alert others
• When outside, stay out
• Call 000

A working Smoke Alarm will protect you!

• Victorian law states that smoke alarms must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. It is the legal responsibility of all owners to install working smoke alarms
• In the event of a fire, a working alarm provides early warning and time to escape
• Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house
• In a two storey home a smoke alarm is required on every storey, located in the path that people will use to evacuate
• Extra alarms should be installed inside bedrooms where doors are shut at night
• Do not remove the battery from your smoke alarm or cover your smoke alarm to prevent it from operating
• Tenants are responsible for the maintenance of smoke alarms

 How do I test and clean my Smoke Alarm?

• Monthly: Test by pressing the test button (use a broom handle if you are unable to reach it)
• Yearly: Vacuum around your smoke alarm vents
• Yearly: Replace your 9 volt battery each year at the end of Daylight Saving

 In a Fire:

CALL 000

1. Say “FIRE”
2. Wait
3. Tell the operator:

• Your address (eg: 27 Smith St, Boronia)
• Nearest cross street/corner
• Your name

Fire Safety Checklist (For the property you live in)

Are smoke alarms fitted outside bedrooms? (By law smoke alarms must be fitted and maintained)

If you are living in campus accommodation or a rooming house, is there a smoke alarm in your room? Test the smoke alarm by pressing the test button. Did the smoke alarm operate correctly when tested? (Smoke alarm will beep to indicate it is working correctly)

Where locks are fitted on doors, can they be opened from the inside without a key? Are there security grilles on the windows? If so, can security grilles be opened from the inside to allow escape in case of fire?

Are there enough electrical power points to plug in your electrical appliances without overloading electrical powerboards? Do heaters operate correctly? Do the oven and stove operate correctly?

Do all light fittings work? 

Prevent Fires - Remember: 

Cooking 

• Cook food only in cooking areas
• Always stay in the room while food is cooking
• Turn off the cooking appliance before you leave the room

Cooking with oil

• Hot oils and fats catch fire easily
• Do not use water to put out an oil fire
• Use a dry powder extinguisher, a fire blanket or a saucepan lid

Power Boards

• Use double adaptors and power boards appropriately
• Do not join extension cords
• Do not use double adaptors and power boards
• Make sure the extension cord is straight and on top of the floor coverings

Cigarettes

• Do not smoke in bed
• Ensure cigarettes are extinguished before disposing

Candles and Oil Burners

• Don’t leave your room when a candle or oil burner is alight
• Don’t go to sleep when a candle or oil burner is alight
• Be careful, curtains, clothing and furniture can catch fire easily
• Furniture can be highly flammable.
• Be careful to keep electrical appliances away from water. A hair dryer takes time to cool down. For safety, allow this to happen on a non flammable surface before storing it.

Computers, monitors and TVs can overheat and cause fires even on standby. They should be turned off after each session

• Good air circulation is necessary around these appliances
• TVs and videos should be turned off at the set, not only with the remote control

BE PREPARED

Security

You may have to get out in the dark. 

Make sure:

• The door is not blocked
• You can find your key easily (in the lock is best)
• You can open the windows easily to escape

Bushfire Information

You also need to be aware of fire safety if you’re travelling or holidaying around Victoria this summer.  We urge tourists to country and regional Victoria to be prepared, stay informed and follow advice from this checklist:
Find out what bushfire safety plans are in place in the area where you are camping, caravanning or renting accommodation.

• Know the most up-to-date Fire Danger Rating in the area where you are staying in for holiday or work by calling 1800 240 667 tuning in to ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and SKY NEWS.
• Look and listen for weather and fire information by tuning in to ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and SKY NEWS.
• Find the nearest Neighbourhood Safer Place when you are staying in a high risk bushfire area.
• Know alternative routes to leave your destination.
• Plan activities carefully on hot, dry and windy days.  Contact  Visitor Information Centres for safe tourist activities and locations.
• Pack your own travel relocation kit and have it accessible at all times.  Contents should include protective clothing such as long-sleeved cotton tops, pants, sturdy shoes, hats, drinking water and woollen blankets.

Information on fire danger ratings can be found at :http://mfb.vic.gov.au/Community-Safety/Total-Fire-Ban-Permit-and-General-Information/Fire-Danger-Rating-Information.html

The CFA provides daily fire danger ratings and you can view all current warnings from their website: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/warnings_advice.htm 

You can also contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667 to find out about any fires in the area on the day.

Useful links:

Study Melbourne Government of Victoria's official website for international students in Melbourne and Victoria's regional cities.

Think Before A student safety initiative.