Victoria's fire agencies are encouraging residents to test their smoke alarms when they wind their clocks back this Sunday, as data shows more than half of serious house fires start in the bedroom or living room.
Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning if a fire breaks out, but only when they are installed and working properly.
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.
Preventable fatalities are those that could have been avoided through safer practices, maintenance or education.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said the figures are a timely reminder that in the event of a fire, every second counts.
"Using the end of daylight saving is a simple way to remember to check your smoke alarms are in working order as we head into the cooler months," Alen said.
"Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family the opportunity to escape danger. Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes, and smoke will not wake you up."
Alen 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," Alen said.
"All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed annually."
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said that testing your smoke alarm should be part of your annual Easter Sunday activities.
"Only working smoke alarms save lives, so taking a moment to crack open your Easter long‑weekend by cleaning and testing your smoke alarm could be the most 'egg‑cellent' fire safety step you take for your home," he said.
"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.
"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 – make no 'egg‑scuses'."
When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, CFA and FRV recommend.
- Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.
- Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house. Install a smoke alarm on each level of the house.
- Recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
- All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
- Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year.
- Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
