Professionals Nowra Winter is traditionally the most dangerous time of year for house fires, with approximately 43% of all fire fatalities occurring during this time. While not all fires can be avoided, smoke alarms are vital in helping save lives when they do occur, but only if they’re working.
July 21 – 27 is Smoke Alarm Awareness week to raise public awareness about the importance of having working smoke alarms in all homes and buildings.
Accidental house fires are all too common in Australia; with statistics showing that one house fire occurs every 26 minutes.
To make sure people are given the vital warnings they might need in case of a fire, the following checks need to be in place:
- Smoke alarms should be tested regularly
- Batteries should be replaced at least once a year
- Never remove batteries from a smoke alarm without replacing them – not only does this place you at risk, it also voids your insurance
- Smoke alarms should be replaced when they reach 10 years of age
To stay informed about smoke alarms, visit smokealarmawareness.org.au. You can set up free smoke alarm reminders so that you never forget to perform a potentially life-saving task. This is a free service and you can even customise the reminders to be sent at intervals that work for you.
For landlords, it’s up to you to ensure your investment property meets the legal requirements regarding smoke alarms. This includes things such as ensuring the correct quantity and quality of smoke alarms are installed, that they are positioned in the right locations, they are tested regularly, haven’t expired, and ventilation holes are clear of obstruction.
This can be difficult to manage and maintain, especially if your investment property is located intrastate or interstate. Here at Professionals Clyde Poulton Real Estate, in conjunction with Smoke Alarms Australia, we offer a smoke alarm program for an annual cost of $99.
This program includes full servicing and maintenance of your smoke alarms with annual visits to your investment property, plus additional scheduled visits at the start of every new tenancy agreement. Inclusions are:
- Checking the location and number of alarms required as per building codes
- Checking the expiry date of each alarm, and replacing them if necessary at no additional cost
- Replacing all alarms that are not functioning properly at no additional cost
- Cleaning the alarm and replacing the batteries
- Testing each alarm with artificial smoke
- Issuing of compliance certification
If you’d like more information on our smoke alarm program, contact our Property Management department on 4421 2644. Alternatively, visit smokealarmsaustralia.com.au.
View the NSW Fair Trading Safety and Security Fact Sheet regarding smoke alarms