Fire safety for tenants living in a house

10 ways to keep your home fire safe

1. Check your smoke alarm has power – look for a steady green light.
2. Never leave cooking unattended.
3. Safely store and use lithium-ion batteries.
4. Keep heaters clear of clothing and curtains. Never use heaters to dry clothes.
5. Don’t overload power boards or power points.
6. Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use.
7. Clean your clothes dryer lint filter before and after every use.
8. Check your electric blanket before use. Replace it if it’s old, worn or damaged. 
9. Keep your balcony clear of clutter.
10. Have a simple fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in your kitchen

To prevent a fire in your kitchen:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen.
• Don’t put metal in the microwave.
• Keep children away from hotplates and ovens.
• Turn pot and pan handles inwards so they can’t be knocked over.
• Clean your oven, rangehood and grill regularly to avoid a buildup of grease and fat.
• Keep tea towels, oven mitts and other flammable items away from the stove.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves while cooking.
• Heat cooking oil slowly using the right-size pot or pan. 

Smoke alarms

Every Homes NSW property has at least one hard-wired smoke alarm with a battery backup.

• Check your smoke alarm regularly to make sure it’s working properly. 
• A steady green light means your fire alarm has power.
• A red light that flashes once a minute means your fire alarm is working.

If your smoke alarm activates:

• Check for obvious signs of fire, such as flames, heavy smoke or a burning smell.
• If you see fire or heavy smoke, leave immediately and call 000.
• If there are no clear signs of fire and the alarm continues to sound, contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322.

Keep your home clear

Everyone can help reduce the risk of fire by keeping their home and outdoor areas clear.

• Keep walkways, doors, exits and driveways clear.
• Keep furniture, belongings and rubbish away from heaters, power points and cooking areas.
• Trim overhanging trees and shrubs, and clear leaves and debris from around your home.
• Store wood, mulch, LPG cylinders and other flammable materials away from buildings and heat sources.

Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are causing more fires in NSW than ever before.

They’re commonly used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools and mobility scooters. 

Charge and store batteries safely

• Never leave batteries or devices charging overnight.
• Unplug chargers once batteries are fully charged.
• Charge on hard surfaces like tiles or concrete, away from anything that can burn.
• Charge in open areas that have working smoke alarms nearby.
• Only use the original charger. 
• Store batteries in a cool, dry and ventilated place (below 27°C)

Watch for warning signs

Never use or charge a damaged battery.

Stop using the device if the battery is:

• hot, swollen, leaking or damaged
• smoking or has a strong smell.

Dispose of batteries safely

• Don’t put batteries in household bins, recycling or hard waste collections.
• Do take small, undamaged batteries to a battery recycling drop-off point.