Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111

Renter's home fire safety checklist

Renting a home and want to make sure it's fire safe? Here's a quick and easy checklist you can use to spot any risks or hazards that might cause a fire.

Walk through each part of your house and check off each point as you go. If a point doesn't apply to you (for example, if you don’t have a fireplace), give it a tick.

This checklist is for people who rent a house or apartment in the city or suburbs.

Kitchen

  • The stovetop is clean and free of any spilled fats or burnt foods.
  • The rangehood filters have been cleaned recently.
  • There's a fire extinguisher near the kitchen and I know how to use it.

Living room and bedrooms

  • Smoke alarms are working properly and have fresh batteries.
    • It’s your responsibility to make sure batteries are replaced regularly on smoke alarms that are not long-life smoke alarms. These usually have an easily accessed 9-volt battery.
    • If the smoke alarm stops working you must tell your landlord.
  • The fireplace has a screen with a proper fireguard, and the chimney has been checked and/or swept in the last year.
  • Powerpoints or multiboards are not overloaded with high wattage appliances like heaters.
  • Matches, lighters or other fire starting tools are stored out of reach of children.
  • Lights are fitted with the correct bulb size and rating (in watts).
  • Electric blankets are in good condition, and not more than 5 years old.
  • There's a torch near every bed (in case of emergencies).

Outdoors

  • BBQ fittings are tight and secure, and there's at least 1 metre of clear space around the BBQ. Use the soap bubble test [link to BBQs and Gas cylinders page] to make sure there are no leaks.
  • Flammable liquids in sheds or garages are stored in appropriate containers.

Laundry

  • There's no lint built up in the clothes dryer filter (you should check this after every use).
  • The clothes dryer has been checked recently by a professional to ensure there's no dust built up in the back (don't open up the dryer yourself, as this will breach the warranty).
  • There's plenty of ventilation and air space around the clothes dryer.

Related content