Summer fire safety

• Test that your smoke alarm/s are working. If not, change the batteries or replace the alarm.
• Check the smoke alarm is in date. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of ten years.
• Give the smoke alarm a vacuum, if you haven't done so in the last six months, to remove dust and any insects.

To meet legislation you must have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of the home placed between bedrooms and living areas, it's the law. FRNSW also recommends having one in each bedroom. Hardwired and interconnected is best.

• Check gas cylinder and hoses for leaks by brushing or spraying with soapy water.
• There should be an adult in charge of a lit barbecue at all times.
• After using your barbecue, remove all excess fat so it doesn't become a fire hazard.
• Check the expiry date before using a gas cylinder. Dispose of old and unwanted gas cylinders safely. Contact your local council for more information.
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be extremely dangerous if stored or used incorrectly.
• Before lighting the BBQ, check your local fire danger rating, there may be a Total Fire Ban. Visit the Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans page on the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

• Do not charge batteries when sleeping or not at home.
• Once the device has a full battery, disconnect it from the charger.
• Make sure a smoke alarm or heat alarm is working in rooms where batteries are charged or stored.
• Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can't catch on fire like concrete floors or tiles. Don't charge them on surfaces like beds, sofas, or carpet.
• Large batteries like the ones used in e-scooters, e-bikes, and power-tools, should only be charged in the garage, shed or carport, away from living spaces and exits.

• Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.
• Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords.
• Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating.
• Decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don't leave burning candles unattended.

• You can make a bushfire plan online in as little as five minutes at www.myfireplan.com.au.
• Discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens your home.
• Prepare your home and get it ready for the bushfire season.
• Know the bushfire alert levels.
• Keep all bushfire information numbers, websites and download the Fires Near Me app.

• Don't put anything metallic in the microwave and always double-check the timer.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reaches of children.
• Avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep loose clothing, fabrics, tea towels, curtains and flammable items away from the stove.
• Keep your oven, rangehood and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of grease and fat can ignite in a fire.

If there is a fire in your home, do not wait, EVERY SECOND COUNTS, GET OUT and STAY OUT and then call Triple Zero (000). Never go back inside a burning building.

Remember to consider the special needs of children, the elderly or the disabled when developing your escape plan.

• Draw your escape plan, and discuss it with your whole family. Download your grid here (PDF).
• Know and record two safe ways out of every room. Make sure that your windows and doors are not obstructed and can be unlocked and opened quickly if necessary.
• Practise your escape plan regularly with the whole household including pets. Your letter box is a great place to wait for firefighters arrival.
• As you escape make sure you close internal doors behind you. This can reduce fire spread and minimise damage.