Fire Safety Checklist
“Practice home safety in rentals just like you do at home,” (U.S. Fire Administration, 2023).
“If there is a fire, you may have less than 3 minutes to get out of your home. Talk about what you should do to be safe. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if there is a fire,” (U.S. Fire Administration, n.d.).
Add these items to your fire safety checklist to assist in keeping the short-term rental safe:
Display a clear Emergency Advice Sheet for guests
Have a written evacuation diagram in case of fire.
Install an adequate number of suitable fire extinguishers and test them regularly.
Install a fire blanket in your kitchen and barbecue area.
Install an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms and test them regularly.
Make sure keys to all locked doors are readily accessible in case guests need to escape.
Don’t overload power points and switch off appliances when not in use.
If you have a garage or a shed, install a heat alarm and remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels.
If you have a gas, electric or wood BBQ always check that it is in safe working order before guests arrive.
Specific requirements for Class 2 and 4 dwelling types:
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The entrance door to the dwelling must be capable of being opened from the inside without needing a key
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A 2.5kg ABE fire extinguisher must be installed in a visible and accessible location in the kitchen. An extinguisher location sign must be installed above the extinguisher.
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A fire blanket of minimum 1m x 1m is required to be installed in an accessible location in the kitchen. A fire blanket location sign must be installed adjacent to or above the fire blanket.
You should also have an Emergency Advice Sheet. This can include:
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Location and contact details of the nearest hospital, fire station, and police station.
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Contact numbers for Emergency Service.
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Building management details (if applicable).
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Site map directing guests to thee emergency assembly area or meeting place. You can use the evacuation diagram for this.
