Change your clock, check your smoke alarm

AHEAD of the end of daylight savings, firefighters urged Victorians to use the occasion to check their smoke alarms were in working order.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) are concerned some households may be equipped with smoke alarms that are not in working order, putting the occupants at risk in the event of a fire.

The end of daylight savings on Sunday, April 7 is a great reminder to check the battery and check if the unit is more than 10 years old.

CFA acting chief officer Gavin Freeman said the fire and rescue services have been telling Victorians to check their smoke alarms and change the batteries since 1997.

“This year, we also urge you to check the location of your smoke alarms.

“Most fatal fires start in lounge rooms and bedrooms. Unfortunately, some of these tragedies may have been able to be prevented by having working smoke alarms in the right places.

“We recommend smoke alarms be fitted in all sleeping and living areas. This is your best chance of an early notification and escape, regardless of where a fire starts.

“It’s also a good idea to install interconnected smoke alarms, so that when any smoke alarm is activated by smoke, all alarms are triggered.”

MFB chief officer Dan Stephens said it was important for everyone to keep home fire safety, especially smoke alarms, front of mind.

“Smoke alarms that are installed and maintained correctly are your first line of defence in the event of a fire.

“We recommend 10-year lithium-battery smoke alarms that negate the need to change batteries every year.

“But once you install your smoke alarms, don’t just forget about them. It’s important to test them each month by pressing the test button and maintain them by vacuuming the smoke alarm unit regularly.

“If your smoke alarms aren’t working properly, you may miss a vital early warning sign that could save the lives of you and your family.”

Smoke alarms are compulsory in all Victorian homes. Residential tenants are responsible for regularly cleaning and testing smoke alarms in their homes and to report any faults to the landlord or agent.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from house fires, visit your local CFA brigade or head to cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ smoke-alarms.