NDS welcomes the launch of Victorian fire services free online learning module to support people with a disability and older people, to plan for fire emergencies at home.

On average, 18 people die in residential house fires in Victoria every year and 62 per cent of those who die in preventable house fires in Australia have a disability.

People are at higher risk if they have difficulties identifying that a fire has started, or if they’re slower or unable to escape from a fire at home.

The new e-learning module, Prevent, Detect, Escape – Home Fire Safety for people at higher risk, has been created specifically for people at increased fire risk, and for people who support or care for them. It takes less than an hour and is free to complete.

The module was developed with key stakeholders including people with a disability, carers, support workers and service providers. NDS worked closely with the Country Fire Authority to ensure the training included issues of importance to disability service providers.

It has been designed to be user-friendly and suit different learning styles with elements such as videos, audio, subtitles, and quizzes.

Disability providers can access the training for staff in fire-risk settings, such as residential accommodation, and are asked to share the information with clients and their carers, who are at higher risk from fire.

The training equips people with an improved understanding of fire risks in the home. For carers, it assists them to discuss home fire safety with those they care for.

Watch the launch video and access the free learning module at the Fire Rescue Victoria website.