Tag: Fire Safety

Smoke Alarm Reminder

When did you last test your smoke alarms?

When you are asleep you lose your sense of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic nose. It will alert you if there is smoke from a fire.

A small fire can grow to involve an entire room in just two to three minutes.

Only a working smoke alarm will provide you with early warning and time to escape.

CFA recommends you regularly test and maintain your smoke alarms.

3 Easy Steps To Maintain Your Smoke Alarm In Working Order.

1. TEST your smoke alarm MONTHLY

Press and hold the test button to check the alarm sounds.

2. DUST your smoke alarm ANNUALLY

Dust the alarm to ensure the vents are not obstructed.

3. CHANGE the battery ANNUALLY

Replace the 9V battery each year. Modern alarms have lithium batteries that can last 10 years.

Tags Fire Safety, Home Fire, Smoke Alarms, Smoke Detector

Reminder About Drying Clothes Inside

Remember 1 Metre From The Heater

With the cooler season now upon us, it’s a timely reminder many house fires each year are caused by clothes being too close to a heater, especially when left to dry over night.

Radiant heat from your heater can not only dry your clothes but it can also heat them to a point where they catch fire.

When drying clothes in front of a heater always remember the simple rule to keep them “A Metre From The Heater“.

Don’t forget to make sure your smoke alarms are working by regularly testing and cleaning them. More about smoke alarms.

Tags Fire Safety, Home Fire Safety, Upwey CFA

Home Fire Safety

A Metre From The Heater

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 13 June 2025

1 Metre From The Heater

Remember 1 Metre From The Heater

Many house fires are caused by clothes being too close to a heater, especially when left to dry over night.

When drying clothes in front of a heater always remember to keep them “A Metre From The Heater“.

Don’t forget to make sure you regularly test and clean your smoke alarms. More about smoke alarms.

Tags Fire Safety, Home Fire Safety, Upwey CFA

Home Fire Safety

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 6 October 2021

smoke alarm

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Only Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

When you‘re asleep you lose your sense of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic nose. It will alert you if there is smoke from a fire. A small fire can grow to involve an entire room in just two to three minutes. A smoke alarm provides early warning and time to escape.

CFA recommends you have a smoke alarm installed in every living area and bedroom in your home.

Smoke alarms are compulsory in every home.

Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian Standards AS3786) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. It is the responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.

Homes constructed before 1 August 1997 need only standalone, battery powered smoke alarms. Homes constructed after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240 volt mains power. These smoke alarms must also have a backup battery installed in the smoke alarm in case there is a loss of power.

3 Easy Steps To Maintain Your Smoke Alarm In Working Order.

1. TEST your smoke alarm MONTHLY

Press and hold the test button to check the alarm sounds.

2. DUST your smoke alarm ANNUALLY

Dust the alarm to ensure the vents are not obstructed.

3. CHANGE the battery ANNUALLY

Replace the 9V battery each year. Modern alarms have lithium batteries that can last 10 years.

Click here for more information about the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms

Tags Fire Safety, Home Fire, Smoke Alarms, Smoke Detector