maintain them

16 May 2007

MORUYA'S NSW Fire Brigade officers are urging the community to

ensure they maintain their smoke alarms so that they will be effective

in the event of a home fire.

May marks the first anniversary of State Government regulations which

made it mandatory for owners of all homes and other buildings where

people sleep to install smoke alarms.

"Most homes now have smoke alarms, the next step is to ensure they

are maintained," Moruya Fire Brigade Captain Bob Arnold said.

"Installed smoke alarms need to be vacuumed and tested regularly,

and the batteries need to be replaced if the alarm is not wired into

the 240v mains.

"Working smoke alarms provide early warning to a fire and allow

the occupants of the home time to put their home escape plan into action.

"A smoke alarm which is not working is as useless as not having

one in the first place."

Mr Arnold said a few simple measures could ensure smoke alarms

remained working.

* Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button with a

broom handle.

* Vacuum smoke alarms monthly to clean the vents.

* If the alarm is battery-operated, replace the battery annually

with a long lasting alkaline battery. www.fire.nsw.gov.au.