Following several house fires in the Shoalhaven region, the NSW Rural Fire Service has reminded residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working.
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NSW RFS Superintendent Mark Williams said local brigades are concerned that some people still do not understand the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.
Recent house fires indicate the need for regular testing of smoke alarms and maintenance of chimneys.
The severity of damage could have been reduced if regular maintenance had been undertaken, Mr Williams said.
“Smoke alarms and a home escape plan can give you the early warning and crucial moments needed to safely escape a fire,” he said.
“Only working smoke alarms can alert you and your family, so it is vital that you test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries annually.”
Anyone who hasn’t changed their smoke alarm batteries in the past year should do so as soon as possible.
Mr Williams reminded residents that a house fire could occur at any time. A working smoke alarm could mean the difference between life and death for your family, he said.
“All Shoalhaven residents should take just a few minutes to test their smoke alarms and check the batteries, to increase their family’s chance of surviving a house fire,” Mr Williams said.
“The cooler months are the deadliest time of year for house fires in the Shoalhaven, as people spend more time indoors using heating, lighting and electrical appliances.
"There are two main types of smoke alarms available – photoelectric and ionization. It is important that everyone has sufficient smoke alarms in their home and ensures they are regularly checked.
"While these alarms are both are in line with Australian Standard AS 3786, research demonstrates that photoelectric alarms provide a faster warning for detecting smoke, and may increase the opportunity for early warning.”
Contact your local fire brigade for more information about home fire safety or go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.