Change your clock, test your smoke alarm

VICTORIANS have wound their clocks back with the end of daylight savings, and firefighters are reminding people to use the occasion to also test their smoke alarms to ensure they are in working order.

On average, 18 people die in house fires in Victoria each year.

Fire Rescue commissioner Gavin Freeman warned that in a fire, every second counts.

“While Victorians might gain an extra hour on Sunday, in the event of a fire, they would not be so lucky – a smoke alarm is your first line of defence,” he said.

“Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning to help you and your family escape. Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes and smoke will not wake you up.”

Commissioner Freeman said it was important to not only install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways but to test them regularly.

“To test your smoke alarm, simply press the ‘test’ button for about three seconds. If you don’t hear three beeps, it’s a good sign the battery or smoke alarm needs replacing.

“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed yearly.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the best way to keep your family safe is to install interconnected smoke alarms, so that when one alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound, allowing you to evacuate early.

“Last year our CFA firefighters attended 870 residential fires and tragically, four of those ended with lives lost, which could have been prevented.

“Smoke alarms with 10-year long life batteries combined with monthly testing could just save your life.

“It’s also best to install a smoke alarm on each level of your home and where devices are often charged, such as garages.

“We encourage you to take the time to check your smoke alarms this weekend.”

When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, FRV and CFA recommend:

• Smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom and living area
• Smoke alarms be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house. Install a smoke alarm on each level of the house
• Using smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery
• Replacing all smoke alarms after 10 years
• Smoke alarms be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound
• Smoke alarms be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall
• Smoke alarms be tested monthly – press the test button until the alarm sounds
• Smoke alarms be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year, and
• Changing replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm yearly.

For more information and advice about the installation and use of smoke alarms, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home/smoke-alarms