SAFETY EQUIPMENT COULD SAVE YOU
Smoke alarms
By law, all homes must be fitted with smoke
alarms. Many people don’t realise smoke
alarms must be maintained regularly to
remain operational.
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Consider using photoelectric alarms
as they provide the best detection of
all alarm types and do not contain
radioactive material.
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By law, a smoke alarm must be installed
on or near the ceiling in a hallway or an
area close to bedrooms (in a multi-storey
house, a smoke alarm must be installed
on each level).
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Position alarms at least one metre away
from air conditioners and fluorescent light
fixtures. Try to avoid ‘dead air’ spaces
such as A-frame ceilings or the corners of
a room.
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Fit alarms outside each bedroom and
also inside if the occupants smoke or use
electrical appliances such as heaters in
the room or shut their door at night.
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Replace alarms every ten years and the
batteries as soon as the alarm warns you
they are low. Avoid taking the battery out
and leaving the alarm empty as it’s easy
to forget and regret it later.
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Change the batteries every six months.
Pick a memorable date such as 1 April or
New Year’s Day to help you remember.
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Use the test button to check your alarms
once a month. At the same time, vacuum
the grill or wipe the alarms with a soft
brush to stop dust affecting them.
Fire extinguishers
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher and
a fire blanket. Blankets can quickly smother
a small fire while fire extinguishers can
bring house fires under control, buying you
valuable time before the fire brigade arrives.
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Know how to use the extinguisher.
Without proper training, a fire extinguisher
can be extremely dangerous. Take a
training course or research how to use it
online.
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Extinguishers are designed for different
types of fires. Choose the one that’s right
for your intended use, whether it’s an oil
fire on the stove or a wood fire outdoors.
Do your research and seek advice from
your local fire station.
“Never throw water on
an electrical fire.”
More than 50 people die from house fires in Australia each year. Most fatal
fires occur during the night while people sleep. Toxic gases and smoke
numb the senses, leaving you in a deep sleep. Yet a simple smoke alarm
could save lives in this situation.
If your home catches fire:
STAY LOW, GET OUT and
STAY OUT!
If your clothes catch fire:
STOP, DROP, COVER and ROLL
until the flames are extinguished.
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