On average, 18 people die in preventable house fires in Victoria each year, with two in every three fatalities occurring in a bedroom or living area.
CFA acting chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said the figures were a timely reminder that in the event of a fire, every second counts.
“Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family the opportunity to escape danger,” Mr Slijepcevic said.
“Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes, and smoke will not wake you up.”
Mr Slijepcevic said it was important not only to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways, but to test them regularly.
“To test your smoke alarm, simply press the ‘test’ button for about three seconds.”
“If you don’t hear three beeps, it’s a clear sign the battery or the unit itself needs replacing.
“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed annually,” he said.
Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner community safety and operational training Joshua Fischer said that testing your smoke alarm should be part of your annual Easter activities.
“There are plenty of smoke alarms available to suit every budget and living arrangement, and interconnected smoke alarms are a good option to ensure everyone in your home is alerted if a fire takes hold,” Mr Fischer said.
“It’s essential to have working smoke alarms installed in your home, but it’s just as important to give them a test regularly to make sure they continue to protect you, your loved ones, and your home.”
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.
The CFA and FRV recommend using a 10-year long-life battery and suggest installing smoke alarms on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall, testing them monthly and cleaning them with a vacuum yearly.
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