Did you know there are specialised smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing?
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.
But what if you can’t hear the smoke alarm when it activates? A specialised smoke alarm system is designed to alert those who are deaf or hard or hearing
An important fire safety message from CFA is “working smoke alarms save lives”.
A working smoke alarm can detect the presence of smoke and alert you by sounding a loud audible alarm.
But what if you are hearing is impaired? Did you know there are specialised smoke alarms available for people who may have difficulty hearing standard smoke alarms and evacuation systems.
The main body of the unit looks like a normal smoke alarm on your ceiling. The other parts are a strobe light (sight) and vibrating pad (tactile) for your bed. In the event of a fire, all alarms will sound, the lights will flash, and the vibrating pad will activate.
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.