Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) have reminded Highlands residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms, as the end of Daylight Saving approaches.
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"Smoke alarms are very important so that if there is a fire in your residence, you are warned early and you can take immediate action," Inspector David Stimson of the Highlands RFS team said.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended 4500 residential fires in 2018, on average 21 lives are lost every year as a result. Fire and Rescue said that you are "twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm."
Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced twice a year, and the beginning or end of Daylight Saving time can be a good reminder to change them over.
Insp Stimson said that you should change your batteries, even if the alarm is still working. "They need to be in optimum working condition, if the battery is not functioning to its highest level it could have a delayed reaction and that could limit your chances of getting out in time," he said.
You are required by law to have working smoke alarms in any property you own, as well as in any caravans. It is recommended you change your smoke alarm unit every 10 years.
If you have any questions about fire safety or smoke alarms in your home you can call the Highlands RFS team on 4868 5500.
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