The Christmas tinsel is down, the New Year’s resolutions are set, and apartments are full of new gadgets and holiday debris. For strata managers, the first months of 2026 aren’t just a calendar change—they are the perfect time to hit the “reset” button on fire safety within your building.
Here are three quick, critical fire safety checks you should have completed in every apartment building.
At Promaster Protection, we view comprehensive fire protection as a strategic investment—a crucial layer of asset protection that significantly reduces long-term financial risk and preserves property value.
Here is why moving beyond mere annual compliance to planned, proactive maintenance is the smartest financial decision your strata scheme can make in the New Year.
The smoke alarm is the single most important early warning system. After a month of loud gatherings and closed windows, it’s time to check its status.
- Change Batteries Yearly: While testing monthly is crucial, batteries can fail completely. If your alarms use replaceable batteries, the New Year is the perfect annual reminder to swap them out.
Check Placement: Ensure you have an alarm outside every sleeping area in the building.
Christmas lights, chargers for new electronics, and extra kitchen appliances often mean electrical sockets and power boards were pushed to their limits throughout December.
- Inspect Power Boards: Unplug all temporary lighting and decorations. Have all power boards checked for signs of strain, scorching, or heat damage.
- Heater Distance: Ensure all heaters are at least one metre away from curtains, clothing, or furniture.
New gifts, packaging, and holiday rubbish can quickly accumulate, creating obstacles in the event of a fire.
- Unblock the Door: Apartment front doors and the paths leading to it are the only escape routes. Ensure no large items, such as gift packaging, new furniture, or recycling, are blocking the pathway or the doors themselves.
- Keep Corridors Clear: Remember that even temporary obstructions (like large boxes of wrapping paper) in communal stairwells or hallways can impede staff and emergency services, and can slow down the evacuation of your neighbours.
- Evacuation Diagrams: Make sure evacuation diagrams are posted in the lobby and near the elevators. Ensure residents know the assembly area and understand your building’s evacuation procedures.
A safe strata scheme requires more than just functional emergency equipment; it requires informed, proactive residents. By taking a few minutes to review these three areas—your smoke alarms, your electrical load, and your escape routes—you actively contribute to the safety and well-being of the entire building.
For strata managers, committees, and building owners in Newcastle, the Central Coast, and Sydney who need professional guidance on system compliance, annual certification, or routine maintenance, the experts at Promaster Protection are ready to assist.
Reach out to Promaster Protection to schedule your 2026 fire safety audit and ensure your compliance is secured from day one.