Lifesaving work by RFS at Riverside Gardens
Riverside Gardens welcomed Captain Brad Spalding and fellow Officers from Richmond Fire and Rescue NSW to lunch after they went through the Village checking smoke alarms in every dwelling.
Back in May, Brad and several Officers from Richmond gave a fire lecture and attended a morning tea with the residents of Riverside Gardens.
The Village’s emergency evacuation procedures were reviewed, and the Officers walked around the Village. It was at this time that Brad offered a free smoke alarm check for every dwelling in the Village. Faulty smoke alarms would be changed at no cost to Riverside Gardens. Brad told the residents FIRE AND RESCUE NSW generously offers a free service to all households in NSW. This brilliant idea could save many lives. We all should know it is vital to have working smoke alarms in every home. Riverside Gardens checks all smoke alarms every 6 months.
Under Division 7A of Part 9 of the EPA REGULATIONS 2000, smoke alarms must be installed in all buildings in NSW where people sleep. The smoke alarms must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786, Smoke Alarms. These provisions came into effect on 1 May 2006.
NSW legislation provides for a minimum level of protection. However, Fire and Rescue NSW recommends owners and occupants consider higher levels of protection.
Brad said he hopes this free service will encourage more people to be mindful of the importance of having functioning smoke alarms in their home.
During a Safety Visit, the FRNSW will attend the home and check that all smoke alarms are working, that they are in good working condition, and are installed in suitable areas. If the home does not have one, firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm as well as replace existing smoke alarm batteries all at no cost. With the occupier’s permission, firefighters will inspect the home and property. This will allow Officers to give the occupiers personalised fire safety advice.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services and is the busiest in Australia. Its main function is to enhance community safety, quality of life, and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, property, environment and economy of NSW. 
