WITH many New South Wales residents hitting the road over the summer school holidays, Fire and Rescue and police services are urging people to take a few simple steps to ensure their home is still safe when they return.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Superintendent Ian Krimmer and NSW Police Crime Prevention corporate spokesman Acting Superintendent Matthew Heysmand said whether people were leaving home for a night or several weeks, they should take precautions against fire and theft.

Supt Krimmer said FRNSW responded to almost 600 residential fires across the state during the past summer holiday period, many in unoccupied homes.

Acting Supt Heysmand said an unoccupied house full of valuable Christmas spoils would be a gold mine for an opportunistic thief.

The spokesmen said people should ensure all windows and doors were securely locked, all unnecessary appliances were unplugged, smoke detectors were in working order and asking a family member, friend or trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property.

For tips visit fire.nsw.gov.au and police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/crime_prevention.