CFA recommend updating your fire plan these school holidays

"Having smoke alarms in the recommended locations and having a practiced escape plan."

"If a fire starts in your home, there are two things that can save your life," Mr Gunning said.

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Each year in Victoria, an average of 18 people lose their lives in house fires and many more are seriously injured.

Statistics from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA reveal that young children, along with older people, people with a disability, and smokers are at a higher risk of not surviving a fire in their home.

While the dangers of a fire are very real, there are steps people can take to keep their families and homes safe.

"If you're home with your kids these school holidays, get the kids to help draw the floor plan of your house and talk through how they would evacuate if they heard a smoke alarm, especially if the normal exit was blocked, and where you would meet outside to make sure everyone was safe," Mr Gunning said.

"Families who are well-prepared are more likely to escape their homes safely and without panic.

"We also recommend interconnected smoke alarms should be installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas."

When making your Home Fire Escape Plan, remember these important points:

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CFA Horsham Captain Marc Ampt said there are several key concerns about fire safety during the winter period, that people tend to do out of habit not realising how dangerous these actions can be.

"Drying clothes at least a metre away from the heater, having your heater checked every year and checking the lint filter from your drier frequently are simple ways to keep your home safe," he said.

"It's important to have a fire safety plan as well, even in winter."

Visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au to download a Home Fire Safety Booklet (available in many different languages), to learn Top Survival Tips, What parents need to know about home fire safety, and how to treat burns.

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