Make a Simple Home Fire-Safety Plan

Clear exits, working alarms where available and a rehearsed family response can make a fire emergency less confusing.

Reduce everyday ignition risks

Keep exits and corridors clear, store matches and lighters away from children, and avoid leaving cooking unattended. Have electrical faults checked by a qualified person rather than improvising a repair. If using a cylinder or other fuel, follow the supplier's safety directions and keep the area ventilated as specified.

Plan how everyone gets out

Walk through the home and identify a primary and alternate route from sleeping and living areas. Make sure children, older adults and people with mobility needs know who will assist them. Agree on an outside meeting point and practise leaving without collecting belongings; smoke can make a familiar route difficult to navigate.

Leave early and call for help

If a fire spreads, raise the alarm, evacuate and call emergency services from a safe location. Do not use lifts or re-enter for possessions. NDMA's fire-safety resources provide public preparedness advice, while local fire authorities can offer location-specific guidance. This overview is not a substitute for professional training or local emergency instructions.