Safeguard lives. The importance of Smoke Alarms.

At Next Electrical & Data, we know that smoke alarms can only save lives if they are properly maintained and in good working condition. That is why we have put together some information on smoke detectors and how to properly maintain smoke detectors in your home.

A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family's safety.

According to Fire and Rescue data, 56% of fatal home fires between 2000 and 2014 occurred in homes where no smoke alarms were present. A working smoke alarm provides a critical early warning, giving you and your family time to escape. It can take as little as three minutes for a fire to take hold and takes only two quick breaths of thick, black smoke to render someone unconscious.

Fire and Rescue Victoria is encouraging residents to Re Alarm their homes by replacing old, outdated smoke alarms with new interconnected, HARD WIRED alarms in every bedroom, living space. The latest move with smoke alarm regulations is that alarms should be interconnected. That means if one alarm detects fire, all of the alarms in the house go off. It’s a better system for alerting people if a fire in the living room also sets off an alarm in the room in which they are sleeping.

This does not need batteries to be replaced, ensuring your family & property are safe from any possible threats. Smoke alarms need to be positioned to wake sleeping occupants. They must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house. Ideally 1.5 meter away from each bedroom door.

Areas prone to excessive air movement near windows, fans and air conditioning vents are also no good because the smoke may be blown away.

A common mistake is that smoke alarms are installed too close to the kitchen or bathroom. Fire and Rescue VIC recommends installing interconnected alarms in every bedroom, living space (including hallways and stairways) and even the garage.

Legislation in Victoria mandates that homes constructed after 1st August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240V mains power and have a backup battery. It further states that all dwelling must have at least one working smoke alarm installed on each level of the home. This includes; owner-occupied and rental properties, relocatable homes, caravans and campervans or any other residential building where people sleep. Smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standard 3786 (AS3786), which should be clearly marked on the packaging.

If you are renting a house or unit, it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure smoke alarms are installed and kept in working condition. Regardless of whether you are renting or living in a home that you own, you should

• check the smoke alarm is working every month by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds

• replace 9-volt smoke alarm batteries on an annual basis (or if the battery is lithium, replace the smoke alarm unit every ten years).

• replace the battery if your smoke alarm emits a warning sound (a high-pitched single beep every 30 seconds)

• Hard wire your smoke detector for peace of mind.

We can each make a difference, we can safeguard lives!!