Summer is the season for poolside fun, sizzling barbecues, and endless games of backyard cricket. While you're enjoying the laid-back vibes after a hectic year, it's crucial to keep family safety top of mind.
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Whether you're grilling snags, hosting a pool party, or setting up festive lights, being prepared and aware of potential risks can keep your summer safe and enjoyable.
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Barbecue safety

The backyard barbecue is a quintessential summer activity but can cause fires, injuries, and property damage if not correctly maintained or used. Maintain clean barbecues and ensure gas hoses and connections are secure and leak-free, as outlined in AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, Gas installations - General installations. Always have an adult supervise a lit barbecue and comply with any fire restrictions such as total fire ban days.
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Electric lights safety

Who doesn’t love a beautifully lit garden or patio during the summer evenings? When decorating with outdoor lights, stay safe by using one item per power socket and avoid overloading power boards. Turn off all displays before bedtime, and check that the lights are undamaged, untangled, and working well, particularly if they have been in storage. Ensure lights, extension leads, and power boards are suitable for the intended use, including outdoor placement.
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Swimming safety at home

Children are naturally attracted to water but often don't understand its dangers. Tragically, every year young children drown in backyard pools in Australia. Ensure your pool has secure barriers as outlined in AS 1926.1:2024, Swimming pool safety - Safety barriers for swimming pools. Safety barriers are not fool-proof, so always supervise children and use pool toys that meet safety standards.
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Bushfire safety

The devastating recent bushfire seasons have shown us the importance of being prepared and having a plan. If you and your home are well prepared, you stand a better chance of surviving a bushfire. Prepare your home and get it ready for the bushfire season by clearing undergrowth and keeping a close eye on bushfire alert levels.
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Home fire safety

While bushfires are a major concern over summer, fires at home claim more Australian lives on average than all natural hazards combined. Common causes include electrical issues, heating appliances, smoking indoors, and cooking equipment. Make sure your smoke alarms are up to scratch with AS 1670.6:2023, Fire detection, control, warning, and intercom systems - System design, installation, and commissioning - Part 6: Smoke alarm systems.  
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Children's toys

After the excitement of the holidays, it's wonderful to see your children enjoying their new toys. Ensure toys are safe and age-appropriate to prevent accidents, including choking risks from small parts. A toy for children up to and including 36 months of age must comply with AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2023, Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties.
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The role of standards in summer home safety

Australian Standards play a vital role in keeping your family safe, from pool safety to fire prevention. Using products that adhere to these standards can help support a safe and enjoyable summer at home.
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To access any of the standards referenced in this article for non-commercial use, visit the Standards Australia Reader Room™.

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