Working Smoke Alarms
This is an excerpt from the national and electrical communications association news letter (neca), regarding smoke alarms and I thought it would be worthwhile sharing with our customers. Most of you have smoke alarms connected to your Thermelec alarm system, however the older ones are not photoelectric which is the latest recommended technology.
Tragically each year in Australia there are over 10,000 house fires resulting in more than 70 deaths, 1,500 injuries and millions of dollars worth of property damage. Many of these homes did not have a working smoke alarm.
Only working smoke alarms can provide the critical early warning needed to save lives and minimize property damage. When you are asleep you loose your sense of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic nose and will alert you if there is smoke from a fire.
A small fire can grow to involve an entire room in just 4 minutes. A smoke alarm provides early warning and time to escape.
ALL smoke alarms:
• Need to be tested and cleaned regularly
• Need to be replaced after 10 years
• DFES recommends photoelectric smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm regulations require owners to have mains powered smoke alarms fitted to all residential properties in Western Australia that are subject to sale, rent or hire. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the smoke alarms fitted are:
• No more than 10 years old
• In working order
• Permanently connected to mains power.
So check your smoke alarms / test the batteries / replace batteries yearly / replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Lets make 2016 our safest year ever.