Top 10 Fire Safety Tips for Airbnb Hosts in Australia
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Hey there! Congrats on taking over an Airbnb property! I know it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but one of the most important things you need to think about is keeping your guests safe—especially when it comes to fire safety. Let me walk you through some key tips to make sure your place is up to scratch and everyone stays safe
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1. Install Compliant Smoke Alarms
First things first: you need smoke alarms. It’s not just a good idea—it’s the law. Make sure you have them:
Placement
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Install smoke alarms on every level of the property, especially near bedrooms and in hallways.
Standards
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Make sure the alarms meet Australian Standard AS 3786.
Maintenance
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Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year. It’s easy to forget, so set a reminder!
2. Provide Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
Next, you want to have some basic fire-fighting tools available:
Fire Extinguishers
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Keep at least one multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (ABE type) on each level.
Fire Blankets
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Put a fire blanket in the kitchen—most fires start there, and it’s great for dealing with small cooking fires.
Instructions
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Clearly label everything and let your guests know where it is and how to use it. It’ll make them feel more secure.
3. Create a Clear Evacuation Plan
You should have an evacuation plan that’s easy for guests to follow:
Evacuation Diagrams
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Put up simple diagrams that show the exits, assembly points, and where fire safety equipment is located.
Guest Instructions
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Include the evacuation plan in your house manual, and point it out to guests when they check in.
Multilingual Support
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If you get a lot of international guests, it might help to have diagrams in a few different languages.
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4. Ensure Safe Electrical Systems
Electrical fires are a common risk, so it’s important to stay on top of things:
Regular Inspections
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Get a licensed electrician to check the wiring, outlets, and appliances every now and then.
Avoid Overloading
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Make sure power points and extension cords aren’t overloaded—it’s a fire waiting to happen.
Replace Faulty Equipment
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If something’s damaged, replace or repair it right away.
5. Maintain Heating and Cooling Appliances
Heaters, air conditioners, and fireplaces can be fire hazards if not maintained:
Professional Servicing
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Get heaters, air conditioners, and fireplaces serviced regularly.
Clear Surroundings
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Keep anything flammable away from heaters and open flames.
Safety Features
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Use devices that have automatic shut-off features for added safety.
6. Promote Safe Cooking Practices
The kitchen is often where fires start, so make sure guests know how to stay safe while cooking:
Clean Appliances
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Keep the oven, stovetop, and range hood clean to prevent grease buildup.
Cooking Guidelines
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Provide some simple guidelines for safe cooking.
Child Safety
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If you host families, make sure potentially dangerous items are out of reach of children.
7. Limit Smoking Areas
If you allow smoking, do it in a way that minimizes risk:
Non-Smoking Policy
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The safest bet is to make the property non-smoking indoors.
Designated Areas
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If you do allow smoking, create a designated outdoor area with proper ashtrays.
Clear Signage
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Put up signs to make sure guests know the rules.
8. Secure Outdoor Areas
Fires can start outside too, so be mindful of the outdoor areas:
Barbecue Safety
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Make sure barbecues are clean and provide instructions for safe use.
Bushfire Awareness
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If you’re in a bushfire-prone area, follow local guidelines for managing vegetation and emergency planning.
Fire Pits
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If you have a fire pit, provide a safety guide and the necessary equipment for guests to use it responsibly.
Our Service: BlueprintBnB can help you create custom safety guides and provide fire safety consulting for your outdoor amenities. Let us assist you in making your property safer and more appealing to guests.
9. Provide Emergency Contact Information
If something goes wrong, make sure your guests know who to call:
Emergency Numbers
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Display emergency contacts, including '000' for fire, police, and ambulance.
Host Contact
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Include your contact information for any urgent issues.
Local Information
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Add details for the nearest hospital and emergency shelter, just in case.
Our Service: We offer a ready-to-print emergency contact sheet that you can customize for your property. This helps ensure guests have all the critical information they need in one convenient place.
10. Stay Informed About Regulations
Fire safety rules can change, so keep up to date:
Legislative Changes
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Stay informed about any changes to fire safety regulations in your state or territory.
Council Guidelines
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Check with your local council for specific requirements.
Continuous Improvement
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Regularly review your fire safety measures to make sure everything is up to standard.
Our Service: We at BlueprintBnB stay up to date with the latest fire safety regulations so you don’t have to. We offer consultation services to help you ensure your property meets all the current safety requirements.
Fire safety is super important, not just to protect your property, but also to make sure your guests have a safe and comfortable stay. By following these tips, you’ll not only meet your legal obligations but also build trust with your guests, leading to great reviews and more bookings. Remember, fire safety is an ongoing process—keep checking in to make sure everything is up to date and running smoothly. You've got this!
Need Help? Contact BlueprintBnB today to learn more about our fire safety services, evacuation diagrams, and compliance assistance. We’re here to help you make your Airbnb property as safe and welcoming as possible. Visit www.blueprintbnb.com.au for more information.
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Email:
info@blueprintbnb.com.au
Phone:
0439559210
ABN
97279706372
Accommodation evacuation diagrams
Tumbi Umbi
NSW