Fire Awareness Month Australia: Essential Tips to Protect Your Home
Fire Awareness Month is the perfect nudge to do the simple things that make a big difference especially for Australian homes. Use this quick, practical guide to protect what matters.
1) Install & test smoke alarms
Put smoke alarms on every level and outside bedrooms (ideally in each bedroom). Press and hold TEST until you hear the siren.
Keep them reliable:
- Test monthly
- Vacuum the alarm face to remove dust/insects
- Replace 9V backups when they chirp (or yearly)
- Replace the whole alarm every 10 years
- Choose photoelectric alarms compliant with AS3786:2014 for Australian standards.
2) Heaters & cords: the 1-metre rule
Give heaters at least 1 metre of clearance from curtains, bedding, furniture, and clothing.
Quick cord check:
- No frays, scorching, or loose plugs
- Don’t overload power boards
- Avoid “daisy-chaining” extension leads
- Keep cords tidy and out of walkways
3) Plan two exits + a meeting spot
Make a simple plan everyone understands:
- Two ways out of each room (where possible)
- A safe meeting spot outside (letterbox or street tree)
- Practice at day and night
- If a door feels hot, don’t open it use another route
- Stay low under smoke (crawl)
4) Gear check: extinguisher + fire blanket (in date)
An extinguisher and a fire blanket are ideal for most Australian households and should be placed in the kitchen or garage.
- Know the extinguisher basics (PASS): Pull → Aim → Squeeze → Sweep
- Check the gauge is in the green and confirm the expiry date.
- Fire blanket basics: Cut the heat, hold the tabs, shield your hands/face, and place the blanket from the top down. Leave until cool. Replace after use.
When to call emergency services (Australia)
If a fire is growing, smoke fills the space, or you’re unsure you can control it safely, evacuate immediately and call 000.
Recommended Home Safety Essentials
Photoelectric smoke alarms compliant with AS3786:2014
Wireless-interconnect options so all alarms sound together
Remote test/hush accessories for high ceilings