Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding the public to remain safe from residential fires this summer by safeguarding their homes and properties.

Now is the time when households are putting up Christmas trees, firing up barbecues and planning summer holidays.

FRNSW recommends the following:

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays, use only one item per power socket and don't overload power boards or piggyback double adaptors

For maximum safety if you use a power board, ensure it has both overload protection and earth leakage protection devices incorporated

Only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating

Check lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords

Inspect the plugs and leads of used decorative lights to ensure they are in good working order. If in doubt, replace the lights

Decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don’t leave burning candles unattended

Candles should be used in a safe position away from Christmas Trees or other flammable material and out of reach of children. Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed

Switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed

Make sure you have a sufficient number of working smoke alarms throughout your home that are tested regularly and are supported by a written home escape plan in case of fire.

HOME FIRE SAFETY

Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly

Clear any clutter, weeds and debris from outside the home

Check electrical equipment and fittings, especially fans and other equipment that may not have been used since last summer

Ensure exits and escape points around your home are clear

Conduct drills to familiarise your home fire escape plan

Lock pool chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers in a cool dry place.

GAS CYLINDERS

Before lighting your barbecue:

Check the ‘use by’ date on your gas bottles

Check connections on the hose are tight and not leaking

Check hoses are not damaged or perished.

HOLIDAYS

Before you leave for a holiday, check:

Smoke alarms in your home and your caravan (if applicable) are in working order

Electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged

Gutters are clear of leaves and debris. All combustible materials such as leaves, grass, timber and paper have been removed from around your home

Ensure any Lithium-Ion battery-powered devices are not left on charge when you’re not home.

You can find additional advice on the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw. gov.au/

FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, recommended booking a home fire safety visit from local firefighters - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits

“If you’re not sure how safe your home is, follow the link and book a visit,” Commissioner Fewtrell said, “Firefighters can pop around, carry out a detailed safety inspection and advise you how to better safeguard your home.

“They can even install a smoke alarm free of charge, if necessary.

“There’s no excuse for complacency when it comes to fire safety, especially over summer,” the Commissioner added.