Fire Safety for Renters: Protecting Your Home and Family

As a renter, you may not own your home, but you are still responsible for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Fire safety is a critical concern for renters, as fires can cause significant damage to property and even loss of life. By taking some simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a fire and ensure that you and your family are safe.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

While your landlord may be responsible for maintaining the building’s fire safety systems, such as smoke detectors and fire sprinklers, you have a responsibility to take steps to protect yourself, your family and your belongings.
Here are some key fire safety tips for renters:

1. Know Your Building’s Fire Safety Plan:
   • Familiarise yourself with your building’s fire evacuation plan.
   • Identify the nearest fire exits and alternate egress routes.
   • Check the common areas for evacuation diagrams and identify routes and equipment available.
   • Check to see if your building has a resident emergency control organisation and if they do participate in warden or resident awareness training and perhaps consider becoming a warden.
   • Practise your evacuation plan regularly with your family.

2. Maintain Smoke Detectors:
   • Ensure that your smoke detectors are working properly.
   • Test them monthly and replace the batteries annually.
   • If your landlord is responsible for maintaining the smoke detectors, report any issues to them promptly and follow up with them to ensure it is addressed appropriately.

3. Avoid Fire Hazards:
   • Be cautious when cooking. Never leave food unattended on the stove.
   • Keep flammable materials, such as curtains and paper, away from heat sources and naked flames.
   • Use caution when using candles and other open flames.
   • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
   • Turn off outlets that are not being used (eg Christmas lights overnight) 
   • Don’t use damaged electrical cords or appliances.

4. Create a Fire Evacuation Plan:
   • Develop a detailed fire evacuation plan for your apartment.
   • Choose at least two egress routes from each room where possible.
   • Establish a designated meeting place outside your building.
   • Practise your evacuation plan regularly with your family.

5. Have a Fire Extinguisher or Fire Blanket:
   • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket for your home.
   • Learn how to use it properly.
   • Remember, fire extinguishers and fire blankets are most effective for small fires. If a fire is too large, evacuate immediately.

6. Store Flammable Materials Safely:
   • Store flammable liquids, such as cleaning liquids and paint thinner, in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
   • Dispose of flammable materials properly.

7. Be Mindful of Your Neighbours:
   • Be aware of your neighbours’ activities, especially if they involve smoking or cooking.
   • Report any suspicious activity to your landlord or building management.
   • When evacuating, if it is safe to do so, notify neighbours so they can also evacuate

Additional Tips for Renters:

• Communicate with Your Landlord:
  • If you have any concerns about fire safety in your building, communicate them to your landlord.
  • Work together to address any issues.

• Stay Informed:
  • Stay up to date on the latest fire safety information and regulations.
  • Attend any fire safety training sessions offered by your landlord or building management.

• Have an Emergency Kit:
  • Prepare an emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, non-perishable food, a torch, a first-aid kit, copies of personal documents and a battery-powered radio.
  • Regularly check, maintain and update your emergency kit.

By following these fire safety tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a fire and protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take the time to educate yourself and take action to create a safe home environment.

For more information on fire safety, visit our website Workplace Emergency Management | Safety, Training & Compliance Service.