A smoke alarm is a device designed to detect smoke and alert people to the presence of fire. The importance of having smoke alarm brisbane cannot be overstated as it can save lives. When a fire starts, every second counts, so having a working smoke alarm is crucial in providing early warning to protect yourself, your family, and your property from a devastating fire.
Smoke alarms are essential in every home, and it’s required by law to install them in all Queensland homes. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service QFES advises homeowners, landlords, and property managers to maintain their smoke alarms by testing them every month and replacing the batteries every year. It’s also recommended to replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
What are the types of smoke alarms?
- Photoelectric smoke alarms – These alarms use a beam of light to detect smoke and alert you of fire. They are suitable for detecting smoldering fires.
- Ionization smoke alarms – This type of alarm is suitable for detecting flames and are more responsive to fast-burning fires.
- Combination smoke alarms – These alarms have both photoelectric and ionization sensors and can detect both types of fires.
Which type of smoke alarm should you choose? It’s recommended to have both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms installed in your home.
How many smoke alarms should you install in your home?
The Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulation requires homeowners to install smoke alarms in every storey of their home, including hallways, bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens. If you have a multi-level home, it’s recommended to have a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Where should you install your smoke alarms?
- Inside every bedroom.
- Outside sleeping areas.
- On every level of your home, including the basement.
- In all hallways and common areas that lead to bedrooms.
- In the living area.
Avoid installing smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathroom, as cooking or steam may trigger the smoke alarm. Install smoke alarms at least 30cm away from light fixtures or vents to prevent false alarms.
How to maintain your smoke alarm?
- Test your smoke alarm every month using the test button.
- Clean your smoke alarm annually with a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or dust buildup.
- Replace the batteries every year or when the low battery warning chirps.
- Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
- Close your smoke alarm cover tightly after installing batteries or cleaning.
What to do if your smoke alarm sounds?
- Alert everyone in the home to get out immediately.
- If there’s smoke, stay low and crawl your way out of the home.
- Call 000 immediately from a safe location outside the home.
- Never re-enter the home until fire services arrive and have determined it’s safe.
Smoke alarm brisbane are crucial in keeping your family and property safe from fire. Make sure to install smoke alarms in every level of your home, test them every month, replace batteries every year, and replace them every ten years. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
