Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

If there is smoke or a fire about a smoke alarm (also known as a Smoke Detector) will sound a loud alarm to wake you so that you and your family can escape to safety.

It is a legal requirement that your home have WORKING smoke alarms in South Australia. Please make sure you have some installed in suitable positions in your home and keep them maintained. We recommend you replace Smoke Alarm batteries if a low power warning 'beep' is emitted and at the end of Daylight Saving each year (to help you remember) whether the batteries are due for changeover or not.

Please ensure that you purchase smoke alarms that meet the required standards and attach them to the ceiling as per the instructions (do not attach them to the wall). And don't forget your caravan, too. If you are unsure how many smoke detectors you require in your home - speak to your local fire service for advice. The average home has smoke detectors in the hall or passage way leading to the bedroom/s and may require two or more to be close to all of the bedroom doorways. For extra protection smoke detectors can be put in every bedroom and the living areas but the minimum goal is to have them near to sleeping areas to wake all members of the family, with as much advance notice as possible, in the event of a fire.

All smoke detectors carry manufacturer's instructions for testing procedures. Press the 'test' button once a week to see if the smoke detector is working. Once a year, unclip the detector from the base and vacuum the works to keep it free from dust and dirt, etc.

If you have any queries or doubts about Smoke Alarms or any other fire detectors or fire extinguishing equipment, please ask your local fire service.

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