LOCALS are being reminded to check the batteries in their smoke alarm as they prepare to wind their clocks back an hour as daylight savings come to a end.
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NSW Fire and Rescue firefighters are urging locals to use the change in time to check the batteries in their fire alarms as they could save their lives.
Gunnedah Fire and Rescue Captain David Welch said every home in NSW legally requires one smoke detector per level of the residence.
“Due to dust, humidity and age, smoke alarms need to be replaced at least every 10 years,” Captain Welch said.
“If your smoke alarm is less than 10 years old, check to see if the batteries need replacing.
“When householders turn their clocks back at the end of daylight saving we are also urging them to check whether their smoke alarms have reached their use-by date and, if they have, to replace them.”
Captain David Welch said only working smoke alarms help save lives.
“A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke,” he said.
“A working smoke alarm gives you vital seconds to get out before you’re overcome.
“Stay out of harm, replace any out-dated smoke alarms and protect your home against fire ahead of winter.”
FRNSW recommends having smoke alarms installed in all bedrooms and living spaces and interconnected for maximum protection.
Smoke alarms are also mandatory for all caravans, campervans, and other moveable dwellings where people sleep.
FRNSW also recommends testing existing smoke alarms and replacing lead or alkaline batteries that are more than 12 months old.
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The daylight saving period will come to an end at 3am on Sunday April 1.
Most mobile phone devices such as Android and I Phones will automatically update their times provided the phone is set to network time and not manual time.
The daylight saving period has been in place for the last six months and will resume again on October 7 2018.
For more information about smoke alarms and home fire safety advice visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/smokealarms.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
