Released 05/10/2012
ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) is reminding residents the importance of having a working smoke alarm installed in the home and suggest to this weekend check it is working when changing clocks for the introduction of daylight saving.
"It is in every householders best interest to have a working smoke alarm in the home," ACTF&R Chief Officer Paul Swain said.
"When residents change clocks around the house for the start of daylight saving, ACTF&R suggest to check that all smoke alarms in the home are working," he said.
"ACT Fire & Rescue has found on a consistent basis that smoke alarms saves lives.
"In a recent case a Hackett householder was fortunate to wake and smell smoke from a faulty wall heater. The home did not have a smoke alarm and the resident contacted ACTF&R to extinguish the fire, but not before an estimated $20,000 damage was caused.
"The importance of having a smoke alarm was demonstrated only one week earlier, when an elderly Ngunnawal resident woke to a sounding smoke alarm in the early hours of the morning. ACTF&R extinguished a fire, containing it to the bedroom with an estimated $5,000 damage.
"When people are asleep, they can't smell smoke. Having a loud and functioning smoke alarm placed at various points around the home can ensure to alert residents when required.
"It is a good habit to get into to test smoke alarms weekly and to clean every month by vacuuming the sensing chamber.
"All smoke alarms have a maximum life span of ten years. It is advised to check smoke alarms for the service date, (the date when the alarms will no longer work) indicated on the base of each smoke alarm and replace it. For the small cost to purchase a smoke alarm and back up batteries, it greatly increases the survival rate of occupants in the home."
For tips and advice on smoke alarms around the home, visit the home fire safety page on the ACT Emergency Services Agency website at, esa.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Section: ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate | Media Releases
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