SHOALHAVEN based Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters urge local residents to make sure their smoke alarms are in full working order.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their plea follows the release two new research reports aimed at reducing the number of fatalities in residential fires in NSW.
The research was on smoke alarms and on sprinkler systems.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter and local firefighters say a working smoke alarm can save lives.
“The findings of the smoke alarm research, completed in collaboration with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), reinforces that the number, location and interconnection of working smoke alarms is more important than the type or technology used,” he said.
“On average, there are approximately 21 deaths reported each year as a direct result of residential fires across NSW.
“Up to a half of those fatalities could have been prevented if these homes had working smoke alarms as well as a home fire escape plan.
“Additionally, the interconnection of multiple alarms ensures that if one alarm detects smoke, all other alarms will activate to sound a warning.”
Smoke alarms can be purchased from most hardware shops in the Shoalhaven area.
Commissioner Baxter knows smoke alarms can save lives.
“Smoke alarms have had a significant impact on reducing the number of fatalities over the past 10 years,” he said.
“However, a combination of fire sprinklers and smoke alarms can significantly further reduce the risk of fatalities in the event of a fire.”
Research was also conducted on the effectiveness of sprinklers in residential buildings up to 25 metres in height.
“The research results confirm that stronger measures are needed to ensure best practice fire safety and fire prevention in homes,” he said.
“FRNSW has made recommendations from its extensive research into sprinklers and smoke alarms and will be working closely with relevant stakeholders to realise these recommendations over the coming months.”
Fire protection is even more important with so many new homes being built.
“Modern-day furnishings and building materials often produce faster fires with higher levels of heat and toxic smoke,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“We are committed to keeping the people of NSW fire safe and will continue to carry out research that better informs building code legislation and product standards to improve fire safety.”
Commissioner Baxter said in addition to the requirement of sprinklers in residential buildings, FRNSW is also urging NSW households to increase the number of working alarms in homes to one per bedroom and living space (including hallways and stairways) and to have them interconnected.
