On April 6 remember: only working smoke alarms save lives

Victoria’s fire services urge all Victorians to be alarmed and Change your clock, Change your smoke alarm battery on Sunday April 6.

Change your clock, Change your smoke alarm battery, supported by Duracell, is an annual fire safety campaign promoting the importance of working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning signal in the event of a fire.

In 2007 the fire services recorded just under 11,000 residential fires nationally resulting in 70 deaths, nineteen of those in Victoria.

Research by the Australasian Fire Authorities Councils found that the absence of a smoke alarm can increase the possibility of a fatality by 60%.

MFB and CFA recommend you:

• Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button with a broom handle.
• Vacuum smoke alarms every six months to clean the vents.
• Replace the battery annually with a long-lasting alkaline battery.
• Install a smoke alarm outside the sleeping areas on every level of a house, and install a smoke alarm in bedrooms if people sleep with their doors closed.
• Avoid locating smoke alarms near cooking appliances and bathrooms as the smallest amount of smoke or steam can activate them.

Public housing properties are fitted with hard-wired smoke alarms and do not require changing. It is the tenant’s responsibility to regularly clean and test the smoke alarm.

For further information visit www.changeyourbattery.com.au

Fire Facts One in five Australians will experience a house fire in their lifetime. House fires are more common in winter months, when people are using fires,heaters and other electrical equipment. The majority of deaths occur between 9pm and 6am, and the elderly (people aged 65 and over) have a disproportionately higher fire death rate compared to the rest of the population. Sound sleepers and people who have recently used alcohol or medications may not be awakened by a smoke alarm. Young children may sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm, so you must alert them to a fire and help them escape to safety. The deaf need additional features such as vibrating pads and/or a strobe light. In 2007 there were 3268 recorded residential fires in Victoria (MFB 1961 & CFA 1307)