Home security
It is important to be able to lock intruders out, yet in the case of fire, it is just as important not to lock you and your family in. Unfortunately, every year in NSW some people encounter difficulties escaping from fires in their homes due to the security measures they have in place. Some may even perish as a result of the delay.
Fact
Being physically impaired or frail due to advanced age can significantly affect your ability to survive if there is a fire in your home.
What are the problems?
Security measures that can impact on your escape from a fire include:
- deadlocks
- security grilles and bars on windows or security screen doors
- keyed locks or roller shutters on windows.
Home security and fire safety tips
- Make sure that every window and door in your home can be opened quickly.
- Make sure keys to all locked doors are readily available, for example, you might choose to leave your keys in the back of your door when it is locked and you are at home.
- Smoke alarms: ensure your home has an adequate number of approved working smoke alarms installed and test them regularly. Go to Smoke alarms for more information on what type of smoke alarm is appropriate for you, where you should install them, maintenance tips and more.
- Draw your escape plan on paper and discuss and practice the plan with everyone that lives in your house. Go to Escape plan to download a home escape plan template and for detailed tips on what you should keep in mind when developing your plan.
- Know two ways out of every room – remember, every second counts.
NSW Rural Fire Service- Retained recruitment
- Services
- Publications
- Media releases
- Fire safety forms
- Fire safety for business
- Smoke alarms
- Factsheets
- Community Fire Units
- Find a fire station
For the latest information on current bushfire incidents and warnings
Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au