Having working smoke alarms doubles your chances of surviving a fire in your home. A smoke alarm gives you early warning signs so you can act quick and get to safety.

In NSW, it’s the law to have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home.

When you are asleep, you won't smell smoke from a fire. Smoke alarms detect smoke and alert people in the home with a repeated loud noise. Don't take any chances with your family’s safety - make sure you have functioning smoke alarms in your home.

To keep your family safe in the event of a fire:

• install smoke alarms on all levels of your home. Especially in hallways, living spaces, bedrooms, stairways and garages
• test smoke alarms every month- press and hold the test button for at least five seconds until it beeps
• replace alarms if they stop working, have a lithium battery or are more than 10 years old
• replace smoke alarm batteries every year
• vacuum smoke alarms every 6 months to remove dust and bugs
• teach your child the sound of a smoke alarm and what to do if they hear the sound.

Keep fire starters like lighters and matches out of children’s reach

Lighters and matches

• lock matches and lighters in storage cabinets, where children cannot reach or see them
• treat lighters and matches as you would poisons or medications
• use child-proof lighters
• keep lighters and matches at least one metre away from fireplaces.
• never vape or smoke in bed
• make sure cigarettes are fully out before throwing them away
• second-hand smoke is dangerous for children- quitting smoking is the best way to protect your children.

 See Vaping and smoking for more information.

Power points

Only use one plug per power socket at the wall.

Power boards

• never overload power boards- too many devices can catch fire
• choose power boards with safety switches or circuit breakers
• don't use double adaptor in power boards
• place power boards on their sides to prevent dust build-up in unused points
• check electrical leads regularly- never use faulty leads or appliances
•  make sure there is enough air flow around power boards.

Charging electronic devices

Always charge devices on a hard surface, like a desk or table. Charging electronic devices on soft surfaces, such as beds or pillows, can catch fire due to heat from the battery.

Always check heating appliances are not damaged before using them.

Heaters

• keep everything at least 1 metre away from heaters- especially rugs, curtains and furniture
• plug heaters directly into a wall socket, not into a power board
• always turn heaters off before you go to bed or leave the house.

Electric blankets

Check for damage before using- look for frayed wires, damaged cords or wear and tear.

• if it looks safe, turn it on for 5 minutes and run your hand over it to feel for any hot spots
• replace it right away if you find damage or hot spots
• always turn it off before you go to bed or leave the house.

Keep outdoor items outside

Only use outdoor appliances where they’re meant to be outside. This includes things like:

• outdoor heaters
• BBQs
• gas cylinders.

Using them indoors can create a build-up of carbon monoxide. You cannot smell, taste or colour carbon monoxide. Breathing it in can make you very sick and can even be deadly. Keeping these items outside helps keep your family safe.

Wheat bags

Never use wheat bags in bed asthey can overheat and catch fire.

Use them for short periods of time to ease pain and under adult supervision.

Important safety tips:

• follow the heating instructions- never heat longer than outlined
• don’t use if there are signs of damage or scorching- throw it out and replace with a new one
• never sleep with a wheat bag or place under bed covers
• cool heat bags down on surfaces such as tiles or stone flooring.

Fireplace and chimneys

Use a fire screen in front of the fireplace

• store firewood at least 1 metre away from the fireplace
• get your fireplace serviced by a qualified professional to make sure it’s working safely.

Candles

Always provide adult supervision when using candles

• blow the candle out when you're leaving the room
• keep candles on hard surfaces and away from flammable items.

Never leave cooking unattended

The kitchen is the most common place for house fires to start and most happen because cooking is left unattended. Small steps make a big difference in keeping your family safe.

• never leave cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn the stove off
• turn pot handles inwards so children can’t reach or knock them
• use the back burners when you can- they’re harder for little hands to reach
• avoid loose clothing near the stove, as it can catch fire
• keep tea towels, paper, and curtains away from hot surfaces
• stay focused while cooking.

Microwaves

Never put metal in the microwave. Things like spoons, forks, or foil can heat up very quickly and may cause a fire.