Fire Safety Tips
Fire and Rescue NSW recommend this simple safety checklist to assist in keeping your home fire safe.
Are you fire ready in the home?
Fire and Rescue NSW recommend this simple safety checklist to assist in keeping your home fire safe.
Install an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms and test them regularly.
- Have a written escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.
- Make sure keys to all locked doors are readily accessible in case you need to escape.
- Never leave cooking or any other open flame including candles or oil burners unattended.
- Clean the lint filter of your clothes dryer each and every time you use it.
- Never smoke in bed and take extra care if consuming alcohol whilst smoking.
- In winter take extra care when using heaters, electric blankets or open fires.
- Don’t overload power points and switch off appliances when not in use.
- Always keep lighters and matches away from children and educate them that they are “tools not toys” to only be used by responsible adults.
- If you have a garage or shed remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels and always refuel mowers, edgers etc. when they are cold and in the open.
- If you have a gas, electric or wood BBQ always check that it is in safe working order before lighting and that it is always in the care of a responsible adult when in use.
- If you live in a bushfire prone area keep the ground around your home clear of leaves and other litter and remember to clean your gutters regularly.
Fire safe tips
- Remember that smoke from a fire will make you confused and that you cannot see in smoke.
- When asleep you will not smell smoke and it will in fact put you into a deeper sleep.
- If you have escaped from a home fire, remember that once you get out, stay out and dial Triple Zero (000).
- Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.
- Only ever use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch.
Resources
- GIO Bushfire Survival Guide
- GIO Home Escape Plan
- GIO Be Bushfire Ready
Perform a Home Fire Safety Audit or visit Fire and Rescue NSW for more information.
Useful links
- Fire & Rescue NSW: http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/
- ACT Fire & Rescue: http://esa.act.gov.au/actfr/
- Fire Rescue Victoria (VIC): https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/
- QLD Fire & Rescue Services: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
- South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service: http://www.mfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp
- Tasmania Fire Service: https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/
- NT Fire and Rescue Service: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Fire-and-Rescue.aspx
- WA Fire & Rescue: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/aboutus/operationalinformation/Pages/fireandrescueservice.aspx
This information is general in nature and is intended only as a guide.
