Fire Escape Plan

A smoke alarm will alert you to a fire, but what you do next is a matter of life and death.

Types of Smoke Alarms 

All homes built after January 1 1997 must be fitted with hard wired smoke alarms. (Building code of Australia 1996).

Ionisation

             Most common household variety.

             Detect small smoke particles.

             Should not be used near cooking, combustion heating appliances or garage areas.

             Most effective with fast flaming fires with little visible smoke.

             Ideal for sleeping areas.

Photoelectric

             Detect larger smoke particles.

             Best suited to detect smouldering fires.

             Ideal near kitchens and living areas.

There are also alarms for hearing and visually impaired people. Only use smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standards.

Power Supply Options

             Hard wired - 240 volt power supply with battery backup.

             Battery operated - 9 volt battery with low power warning light signal.

Where to put Smoke Alarms 

             Between the bedrooms and the rest of the house.

             Inside the bedroom if you are a heavy sleeper or if you close the door.

             Near bedrooms and on every storey of a multi-level house.

             Additional alarms are needed in homes with separated sleeping areas.

Some alarms should be placed on flat ceilings away from corners, exposed beams or any other fixture that my deflect smoke.

Only working smoke alarms can save lives

Looking after smoke alarms

             Test smoke alarms once a month using the test button.

             Clean the grill of your smoke alarms once a month using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

             Replace batteries ever year – use an anniversary day or significant date to remember. 

             Write the year the smoke alarm was made in permanent ink on the base of the alarm.

             Replace smoke alarms every 5-8 years or to manufacturer’s instructions.

        To survive it is essential you have a fire escape plan

             Draw your escape plan in a grid.

             Plan two ways out of every room.

             Pick a meeting place outside the home, such as the letterbox.

             Ring the fire service on 000 (triple zero) from a safe phone.

             Practice your fire escape plan regularly – at night, with the lights off.

             Practice your escape on hands and knees.

         Never paint smoke alarms.

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000)