Home Fire Safety Check List + First Aid for Burns

Have You Taken a Battery Out of Your Smoke Alarm and Forgotten to Replace It?

Winter is here—and it’s the deadliest season for house fires in Australia.

It happens. You pull the battery out of your smoke detector because it won’t stop chirping. You mean to replace it… but forget. Weeks pass. Then months. Meanwhile, the risk of fire quietly climbs.

Data from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC shows a consistent pattern over the past 20 years: autumn and winter bring the highest rate of house fires and preventable deaths in Australia. Fire services across the country are sounding the alarm—again.

❗ Don’t Wait for Smoke to Remind You

According to 14 years of national data, most fatal residential fires were entirely preventable. In many cases, smoke alarms were either disabled, expired or had dead batteries.

“In an emergency, every second counts... Working smoke alarms give your family time to escape.”
– Fire and Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Joshua Fischer

“They are terrible losses that were, in most cases, preventable. A working smoke alarm may have saved lives.”
– Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell

🔥 Quick Fire Safety Checklist

✅ Check and test every smoke alarm in your home right now.
✅ Replace any missing or expired batteries.
✅ Make sure alarms are in bedrooms, hallways, and living spaces.
✅ Print oNSW Fire & Rescue free safety checklist to review your home setup.
✅ Need a First Aid Sign for your home or workplace? Get one free here.

💡 Expert Insight: Burns Are Common—and First Aid Matters

During cooler months, we crank up heaters, light more candles, and cook more comfort food. That makes burns one of the most common household injuries.

Here’s what to do immediately:

Run the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes (within 3 hours max).
Remove any rings or clothing near the burn—unless stuck.
Cover with clean, non-stick dressing like cling film (laid on, not wrapped).
Never apply ice, creams, or butter. Avoid popping blisters.
If it’s large, deep, or affects the face, hands or genitals—call 000.

We stock kits that include hydrogel and burn dressings recommended by ANZCOR Guidelines.

🧰 A Kit That Could Save a Life

Fire injuries—especially burns—can happen fast. And they don’t wait until help arrives. That’s why every family should have a well-stocked, compliant first aid kit on hand.

Our family and home first aid kits are designed to support real emergencies. They include:

Burn gels and dressings
Hydrogel for minor and major burns
Snake-bite compression bandages with tension indicators
QR code access to poison/sting resources
Designed by real paramedics

They’re compliant, family-safe, and built for Australian homes. Browse our range here.

📩 Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Want regular safety checklists, home hazard tips, and seasonal alerts?

Or use the live chat on our site to speak directly with me—Samantha—the founder and trainer behind these kits. I’m here to help.

Written by Samantha

Director of Assurance First Aid Kits. EMT, Trainer & Assessor.
Over 20 years in first aid compliance and safety education across Dubbo and regional NSW.