It’s alarming (pardon the pun) how often we attend homes to discover smoke alarms are either not working, not in the right place, or simply haven’t had their batteries changed in years.

We’ve all seen those heartbreaking news articles––the ones where a family loses their home to a house fire. But do we ever stop to think about what caused it? Was everyone okay? Did they have the right measures in place to prevent such a devastating loss of their home, or in some tragic cases, lives?

Fire safety isn’t just about protecting your property––it’s about safeguarding the people and memories inside. So, what is best practice in terms of keeping your home fire safe? Let’s break it down.

The Basics: Why Smoke Alarms Are Non-Negotiable

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against a fire in your home. They provide an early warning system, giving you and your family precious time to evacuate safely. In many cases, they can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating tragedy.

Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Installed?

Placement is critical when it comes to smoke alarms. To ensure optimal coverage:

• Install alarms on every level of your home. This includes basements and attics.
• Place alarms outside sleeping areas. This ensures you’re alerted even during the night when most home fires occur.
• Position alarms away from air vents, windows, and fans. These can disrupt airflow and affect the sensor’s ability to detect smoke.
• Ceiling is a must. Smoke rises, so install alarms high on walls or on ceilings, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Alarms?

• Test monthly. Press the test button on your smoke alarm to ensure it’s working properly.
• Replace batteries annually. If your alarm uses replaceable batteries, don’t wait for the low-battery beep to remind you––swap them out once a year. A great time to do this is when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
• Replace the unit every 10 years. Even hardwired alarms need replacing after a decade, as their sensors lose sensitivity over time.

Additional Fire Safety Tips

• Create an escape plan. Practice your family’s fire escape route at least twice a year to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.  Download a home fire safety plan here. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=883
• Keep flammable items away from heat sources. Items like curtains, bedding, and paper should be kept at least three feet away from space heaters and stoves.
• Use fire extinguishers wisely. Place extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and any other high-risk areas, and ensure all household members know how to use them.

Don’t Wait—Act Today

If you’ve been putting off testing your smoke alarms, checking their placement, or creating a fire safety plan, now is the time to take action. Fire safety is not just about peace of mind––it’s about protecting the people and things you hold dear.

For professional advice, installations, or routine maintenance, get in touch with our team. We’ll help ensure your home is as fire-safe as possible.

Stay fire safe,
Tonkin