Fire safety and smoke alarms in public housing

This page has information to stop a house fire from starting in your home.

You should also check your smoke alarm once a year.

Be prepared

You should talk to your family about what to do in case of a fire.  Make sure your children know your home escape plan. Include a meeting place away from your home, and two ways to get out of each room. Practise the plan with everyone in the household.

Point out the smoke alarm and explain what it does.

Make sure keys to all locked doors are easy to access.

In bedrooms

Never smoke in bed. 

Always turn off electric blankets before getting into bed.

Check electric blankets for damage, such as frayed cords, and replace old ones.

Always extinguish candles or any other open flames before going to bed or leaving a room.

In the kitchen

Never leave cooking unattended.

In the laundry

If you use a clothes dryer clean the lint filter every time you use it.

In all rooms

Do not overload power points. Only use one appliance for every power point.

Switch off appliances when they are not being used.

Store matches and lighters away from small children.

Keep curtains, clothing, tablecloths and bedding away from heaters and candles.

Read more about fire safety at home.