Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Householders are being warned about the importance of working smoke alarms by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

New figures reveal that last winter, nearly half (49 per cent) of the 1,080 homes that were impacted by fire did not have a working smoke alarm, or any alarm, in place _ kitchen fires were the most common. Fire can take hold in three minutes.

Winter in 2022 was particularly deadly for house fires, with a record 17 deaths – more than four times the total of the previous winter – and 87 people injured. During that season, exactly half of the 959 houses that caught alight did not have a working smoke alarm.

FRNSW kicks off its Winter Fire Safety Campaign this Saturday 1st June. Residents can book a home fire safety visit when firefighters can install smoke alarms free of charge and find further advice on the FRNSW website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said: “We understand that people are busy these days but making sure you have a functioning smoke alarm in your home should be a priority, especially as we enter winter. We’re particularly concerned about the number of fires occurring in the kitchen, which was 44 per cent of cases last winter.”

“You’ve got to keep looking while you’re cooking – don’t get distracted and if a fire breaks out, whatever you do, don’t throw water onto it, the flames will flare up dramatically.”

“Keep a fire blanket near the kitchen to smother flames if they occur.” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: “Having at least one working smoke alarm installed in your home will help safeguard your loved ones and provide peace of mind.

“But the alarms must be in working order to be effective, and we are finding this isn’t the case a lot of the time. In their home safety visits, firefighters have been finding outdated and broken smoke alarms, with some even hanging from ceilings by wires. I encourage residents to book a fire safety visit from a firefighter, who can install an alarm for free or make sure your alarm is functioning properly.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: “In Sydney’s growing North West, it’s essential that every household has a working fire alarm.” “We have some of the best local firefighters.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance installing your alarm. Riverstone is home to the most young families in New South Wales. It’s crucial that we keep each other safe.”

TIPS FOR SAFETY
You will not smell smoke while asleep. Only working smoke alarms save lives.
• Test that your smoke alarm/s are working. If not, change the batteries or replace the alarm.
• Check the smoke alarm is in date. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of ten years.
• Give the smoke alarm a vacuum, if you haven’t done so in the last six months, to remove dust and any insects.

To meet legislation you must have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of the home placed between bedrooms and living areas, it’s the law. FRNSW also recommends having one in each bedroom. Hardwired and interconnected is best.

Residents can book a home fire safety visit when firefighters can install smoke alarms free of charge visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits