What we would save in a fire will surprise you

It’s the perennial question: what’s one thing you would take with you if your house was on fire? Years ago it would’ve been a photo album or pet but now we’re a bit more practical.

In a recent survey conducted by RACQ, it was found that 71.7 per cent of respondents would run for their wallets or handbags. This was the most popular answer by a long shot – pets were the next to be saved (55.9 per cent).

Interestingly, phones and tablets were third on the list of things to save in a fire. 10 years ago this would’ve been a desktop computer and now it’s a lot easier to just grab your phone and run instead of fiddling with cords.

Others were more sentimental, with a substantial amount saying they’d grab photographs (45.7 per cent) or salvage their uni degree (8.1 per cent) if they were in a fire emergency.

It was also found that one in five people would make a dash for their jewellery, 15 per cent would take glasses while nearly 8 per cent would endeavour to save items from their wardrobe.

Practicality was a priority with survey respondents thinking they’d take cash (45 per cent), their laptop (36.7), passport (35.30), back-up drive (24), glasses (15) and shoes (5.4) if their house was ablaze.

According to a Queensland Fire and Emergency spokeswoman, there were 522 residential structure fires last winter, with 171 occurring in Brisbane.

QFES winter fire safety tips include:

• Have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure that you test them regularly.
• Have a written home escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.
• To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on your bed.
• Consider having oil, gas or wood heating units checked and maintained yearly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the exit of your kitchen.
• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

Tell us, what would you save in the event of a fire? What is your most precious possession?