Key takeaways
- ✓ NSW law requires at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home — test monthly, replace batteries yearly, replace alarms every 10 years.
- ✓ Plan and practise two escape routes from every room, and put one adult in charge of getting infants and children out — with a backup person.
- ✓ Store flammable liquids in small quantities, in child-safe containers, locked away from heat sources and children.
- ✓ Don't overload power points — too many appliances on one socket can spark a fire.
- ✓ Keep candles away from anything that burns, blow them out before leaving the room, and teach kids that matches and lighters are not toys.
Why fire safety knowledge matters at home
Fire is unforgiving: it claims lives as well as property, and it moves faster than most people expect. The core of home fire safety isn't complicated — working smoke alarms, a practised way out and a few consistent habits. The tips below cover the essentials that meaningfully reduce the risk of a catastrophic fire in your home.
Start with your smoke alarms
First and foremost: check your smoke alarms. In NSW it's the law to have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home — that applies to houses, units, relocatable homes and anywhere else people sleep. For the best protection, also install alarms in every bedroom and in hallways outside sleeping areas.
- ✓ Test monthly — press the test button on every alarm once a month.
- ✓ Replace batteries yearly — swap standard batteries every 12 months, even if the alarm is hard-wired to mains power (the battery is its backup).
- ✓ Replace alarms every 10 years — all smoke alarms have a limited service life. Check the manufacture date and replace any unit that's 10 years old or more.
Make a fire escape plan — and practise it
Plan how you'd get out of every room in the house, in at least two different ways, and practise it with the whole household. Put one adult clearly in charge of infants and young children — their sole job in a fire is getting the kids out safely. And because things rarely go to plan, nominate a backup in case the primary person is overcome by smoke or can't reach them.
Store flammable substances safely
Keep anything flammable well away from heaters, stoves and open flames. Supervise children and pets closely whenever a heater is running, and switch it off every time you leave the room. If you use petrol-powered tools or equipment, store only small quantities of fuel, in containers with child-safety features, in a locked area out of children's reach.
Don't overload your electrics
Avoid plugging too many appliances into a single socket or power board. An overloaded outlet can spark, and a spark is all it takes to start a house fire. Spread the load, and give high-draw appliances like heaters a socket of their own.
Living in an apartment? Raise the alarm
If fire breaks out in your apartment building and the fire alarm isn't already sounding, activate it on your way out so everyone in the building knows to evacuate. Your alertness and quick action can save your neighbours' lives.
Candles, matches & lighters
Keep candles well away from anything that can catch fire — curtains, bedding, paper — and blow every candle out before you leave the room or go to sleep. Teach children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys, and store them out of reach.
Need a hand in Sydney or Regional NSW?
Follow these habits and you'll dramatically cut the risk of fire damage in your home. If a fire does strike, One Prime responds 24/7 across Greater Sydney & Regional NSW — our fire damage restoration team handles the clean-up, smoke odour and repairs so you can get back to normal. Call 1300 774 631 or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How many smoke alarms does my home need in NSW?
NSW law requires at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, including relocatable homes and anywhere people sleep. For better protection, install additional alarms in every bedroom and in the hallways outside sleeping areas.
How often should smoke alarm batteries be changed?
Replace standard batteries every 12 months, and test every alarm monthly by pressing the test button. Do this even for hard-wired alarms, since the battery is their backup during a power outage. Replace the entire alarm unit at least every 10 years.
What makes a good home fire escape plan?
Two ways out of every room, practised regularly with the whole household, plus a designated adult responsible for getting infants and children out — and a backup person in case the first is overcome by smoke. Agree on a safe meeting point outside.
What should I do after a house fire is put out?
Don't re-enter until fire crews confirm it's safe. Then have the property professionally assessed and restored — smoke, soot and firefighting water keep causing damage the longer they sit, so fast professional clean-up saves more of your home and contents.
Sources & further reading
- Fire and Rescue NSW — Smoke alarms: what is the law?
- Fire and Rescue NSW — Smoke alarm maintenance guide
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Last reviewed 22 October 2018 by the One Prime Solutions team.