Station Commander at Dubbo Fire Station Mark Weir said those going away should turn off all power points and have a neighbour keep an eye on the house.

"The only things you really need to leave on are the burglar alarm and your fridge. And the aquarium," he said.

Senior firefighter Chris Cusack said anyone travelling with a caravan should check to ensure it is working.

He said by law, anywhere people sleep was required to have a smoke alarm.

Families going camping should observe the area's fire regulations and ensure they are mindful of where they set up in case of a bushfire, Mr Cusack said.

Smoke alarms should also be in working order for those staying at home.

Mr Weir said having an evacuation plan was another important tool for families, including a point where the family can meet if the fire was inside the house.

He said people who live at bushfire exposed areas should clean their gutters and remove clippings.

"If you're going to stay [during a bushfire], take your hoses and fittings inside. They're plastic so they'll melt," Mr Weir said.

The firefighters said smokers who flick their butts out the window while driving were another concern.

Mr Cusack said Dubbo residents would be surprised by the high number of fires they extinguish on the Wheelers Lane median strip and while it is protected from spreading because of the road, he said it could be disastrous if the same occurred in a high fuel area.

The holidays are a time for entertaining, but half of residential fires are started in the kitchen, most commonly because cooking has been left unattended.

There is also a recorded increase of barbeque fires around the holiday season as people celebrate with family and friends.

More safety information on fire safety can be found at www.fire.nsw.gov.au and children can learn about emergency calls through the interactive game at kids.triplezero.gov.au.

Holiday home safety and security tips:

*Let a trusted neighbour or family friend know of your whereabouts and contact details. Ask them to watch your home, empty your mailbox, mow your lawn and, most importantly, call Triple-Zero (000) if they notice anything suspicious or if the smoke alarm activates.

*Dispose of Christmas wrapping and delivery/goods packaging carefully. Don't advertise your new valuables to would-be thieves.

*Lock away your handyman/gardening tools, which may be used to force open doors or windows, and any item that may be used to gain access to the property or cause damage.

*Record descriptions, models and serial numbers of your valuables and then put them somewhere safe.

*If you live in a bushfire-prone area, prepare your home properly - a full preparation checklist can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

*Switch off and disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and IT equipment.

*Ensure any electrical items you decide to leave on continuously, or on timer circuits, are in good working order - that includes lights left on to deter thieves both inside and outside.

*Test your smoke alarms and change batteries, if required, to ensure they function.

*Before you leave, close all internal doors to help contain any fire that might occur.

*Then, check your doors, windows and garage are locked securely, and remove spare keys from hiding places. As you leave, check everything again.

*Finally, if you have a home security alarm, activate it.