Canberrans have been reminded to change the batteries in their smoke alarms this week if they didn’t take care of the live-saving task last weekend when daylight saving ended.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said putting the clocks back served as a good annual reminder for people to check their life-saving smoke alarms.
“Ensuring your home has working smoke alarms in the correct locations is critical to keeping your loved ones and your properties safe,” Mr Gentleman said, “because only working smoke alarms save lives.”
“As temperatures start to drop, we all start to use our heaters and electric blankets, which increases the fire risk in our homes,” he said.
Chief Officer of ACT Fire & Rescue, Matthew Mavity said incorrectly placed smoke alarms could result in tragedy.
“In 2021, 80 per cent of house fires had a working smoke alarm that wasn’t installed in the correct areas of the home, meaning the alarm couldn’t alert the residents,” Chief Officer Mavity said.
“Smoke alarms should be installed on or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms,” he said.
“If you have a multi-level home, smoke alarms must be installed on each level.”
Chief Officer Mavity said having a working smoke alarm provided a critical early warning, “giving you and your family time to escape safely and increasing the chance of saving your home”.
Further information on smoke alarms and home fire safety can be accessed at this PS News link.
