JIMBOOMBA'S fire captain is warning residents to check smoke alarms and have an escape plan ready this winter.
Captain Jason Hall's pleas come as the Take 5, Get Out Alive campaign kicks off to promote safety during house fire season.
Residents have precious little time to escape when a fire takes hold.
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"A house fire can become uncontrollable in seconds and you could have as little as 15 seconds to make it out alive," Captain Hall said.
"That's scary, but making a plan to get everyone out safely doesn't have to be - and it doesn't take long to do."
A working smoke alarm and a plan to escape were essential, he said.
"When fires start, they can quickly fill a house with toxic smoke, so having working smoke alarms and a well-practised fire escape plan greatly increases the chances of everyone getting out," Captain Hall said.
"Taking five minutes to check your smoke alarms are operational and talking to the members of your family about what to do in the event of a fire will save lives.
"This is especially important for households with young children and elderly members."
His warning comes after a fire at a Flagstone on Sunday.
The fire broke out in an air conditioning unit about 3pm. A quick-thinking neighbour switched off the mains power to stop the blaze from spreading at the Highwood Court house.
Police, who arrived before firefighters, put it out with a fire extinguisher.
Captain Hall urged residents to have spare keys handy for all locked doors and windows, and to clear pathways to nearby exits.
He said it was essential children were taught to feel closed doors for heat, and for people to get down low while escaping.
"Agree upon a safe meeting point when you get out of the house, such as your letterbox," Captain Hall said.
"Never go back into the house when you have come out."
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