Be Fire Safe - Winter 2025 Campaign Kit
Winter is a critical time for fire prevention and education due to the spike in home fires, fire-related fatalities and injuries. We want to reduce these incidents to zero.
There were 1,036 residential fires in NSW last winter, during which 12 people died and 107 others were injured. In 44 per cent of those cases, the home either did not have a smoke alarm or, if one was present, it did not operate when the fire broke out.
Complacency and inaction around smoke alarms are the biggest risk factors when it comes to home fire safety. Why? Because smoke is the greatest cause of injuries or fatalities.
To help combat those behaviours, our winter campaign will continue to focus on the tagline 'Be Fire Safe', supported by supplementary messages.
By using this tag repeatedly, we aim to increase recall, understanding of the risk and the desire and purpose for action.
This campaign kit has been developed to help our stakeholders communicate with their local community about how to be fire safe in the cooler months. It contains assets and resources that can be downloaded and shared.
For any assistance, please contact the FRNSW Media Team.
- 1 June | Smoke Alarm Action Day
- Smoke alarms
- Escape plans
- Kitchen fire safety
- Electric blanket safety
- Power boards
- Lithium-ion battery safety
Extra resources
1 June | Smoke Alarm Action Day
Fire and Rescue NSW, together with fire services across Australia, is urging people to check they have a working smoke alarm on Smoke Alarm Action Day on 1 June. Last year, nearly half the homes damaged or destroyed by fire in NSW did not have a working smoke alarm. Find campaign resources here.
Smoke alarms
Post copy 1:
You'll press hundreds of buttons today.
Will you press the one that could save your life?
It only takes seconds to test your smoke alarm.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 2:
You press 500 buttons a day. Only one could save your life.
Test your smoke alarm today—it only takes seconds.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 3:
The most important button you'll press this month?
The one on your smoke alarm.
Test it today—it only takes seconds.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
Smoke alarms can save lives—but only if they work.
Press to test. Monthly is best.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Social downloads:
Escape plans
Post copy 1:
A house fire can strike when you least expect it.
Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out quickly and safely.
Draw a floor plan, choose a meeting point, and practise it together.
An escape plan only works if everyone knows it.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 2:
Have a plan.
Know your exits.
Choose a safe meeting spot.
And most importantly, practise it.
A fire escape plan can save your life.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 3:
In a fire, every second counts.
Does your household or building have a clear escape plan?
Plan ahead. Map exits. Choose a meeting point.
Preparedness reduces risk and saves lives.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
You can't predict a fire—but you can prepare for one.
Create an escape plan that everyone in your home understands.
Map the exits, pick a safe meeting place, and run regular fire drills.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Social downloads:
Kitchen fires
Post copy 1:
More than half of all house fires start in the kitchen.
Unattended cooking is the number one cause.
If you're cooking, stay in the kitchen—and keep flammable items well away from the stove.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 2:
That pan on the stove? It only takes a second to turn into a serious fire.
Half of all home fires start in the kitchen,
so keep an eye on what you fry!
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 3:
Cooking remains the leading cause of residential fires.
A moment of distraction is all it takes.
Ensure kitchen safety by staying attentive and keeping surfaces clear of flammable items.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
Keep looking when cooking.
Half of all home fires start in the kitchen.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Social downloads:
Electric blankets
Post copy 1:
Winter heating should bring comfort, not risk.
Before plugging in your electric blanket, check for frayed cords, scorch marks or damage.
If it's showing signs of wear, don't use it.
Electrical faults are a leading cause of winter house fires.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 2:
That electric blanket you've had for years?
Check it before you use it.
Look for worn fabric, exposed wires or overheating. If it's damaged, it could cause a fire.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 3:
Many people don't realise their winter warmer could be a fire risk.
Before using an electric blanket, inspect it for signs of wear, damage or faulty wiring.
Encourage safety at home and in the workplace.
Fire prevention starts with preparation.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
Frayed cords. Scorch marks. Loose wiring.
These are all signs your electric blanket might not be safe.
Always check before use—and never leave it on overnight or when unattended.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Social downloads:
Power boards
Post copy 1:
Overloaded power boards are a leading cause of house fires in winter.
Avoid using double adapters, never plug boards into other boards, and keep cords untangled.
Check your setup before it becomes a hazard.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 2:
One board. Too many plugs.
This could be the start of a fire.
Use power boards safely, no stacking, no daisy chains.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Post copy 3:
Overloaded circuits are an avoidable risk.
Ensure your winter setup doesn't involve double adapters or daisy-chained boards.
Promote safety at home and in the workplace. Fire prevention starts with preparation.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
Avoid overloading power boards.
No double adapters. No boards into boards.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe
Social downloads:
Lithium-ion battery safety
Post copy 1:
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW.
Don't charge devices overnight or in hallways and exits.
Only use approved chargers and avoid modified equipment.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe
Post copy 2:
E-bikes. Scooters. Power tools.
If it charges, it can catch fire.
Charge batteries in safe, ventilated spaces and never while you sleep.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe
Post copy 3:
Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise.
Businesses and households must take care:
-Avoid cheap or non-compliant chargers
-Never charge near exits
-Don't modify devices
Prevention starts with responsibility.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe
General (e.g. newsletter, web, intranet):
Charge safely. Store safely. Don't modify.
Keep batteries away from flammable materials and never charge near exits.
Be fire safe this winter. www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe
Social downloads:
Extra resources
Radio resources:
General: 15 Second Script
Fire and Rescue NSW is urging you to be fire safe this winter - make sure you have a working smoke alarm and an escape plan. Visit fire.nsw.gov.au for more information.
General: 30 Second Script
Fire and Rescue NSW is urging you to be fire safe this winter and have a working smoke alarm. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get out of control and turn into a major fire. The seconds you use to test your smoke alarm could be the seconds that save your life. For more information, visit fire.nsw.gov.au
Newsletter copy:
Printables:
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