The CFA have urged residents to use the change of Daylight Savings as a chance to check their smoke alarms.
“As you prepare to change your clocks this weekend, Victorian fire services want you to take the opportunity to check your smoke alarms and ensure they are in good working condition,” the CFA said.
Only working smoke alarms save lives, and that is the message Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) are telling all Victorians as the state turns its clocks back when Daylight Saving ends at 3:00am on Sunday, 2 April.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it is essential that families are conducting monthly testing of their smoke alarms to keep their loved ones safe.
“Without a working smoke alarm in all living and sleeping areas of your house, you may not wake if there is a fire,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
“We know that in the last 10 years, CFA have responded to more than 14,000 residential fires that have seen 490 casualties.
“We want to see that number drop significantly.
To check your smoke alarm, press ‘test’ and wait for the beeping sound, then each month continue to test, vacuum, and dust your alarm to remove any particles that may affect its performance.
“The best way to keep your family safe is to install interconnected smoke alarms, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound, allowing you to evacuate early.
“If you live in a house with more than one level, it’s best to install a smoke alarm on each of those levels.
“We recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year lithium battery to ensure their longevity.”
Fire Rescue Victoria recommends smoke alarms be replaced with interconnected alarms in all sleeping areas, living spaces, and hallways.
FRV Acting Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Gavin Rooney said it’s critical to test your smoke alarms every month and dust or vacuum them yearly as well.
“Smoke alarms should be replaced or changed every 10 years,” Mr Rooney said.
“The end of daylight saving is a great time to replace your smoke alarms.”
