A working smoke alarm is important to not only the safety of you, but your family and the houses surrounding you. It's important to understand the type of smoke alarm you have and the requirements for changing the battery (if required). Smoke alarms that are powered by just a 9v battery require a replacemnt every year. DEFS (Department of Fire & Emergency Services) recommends replacing the battery on the 1st April every year.
Here are some important things to remember:
- Not all smoke alarms need a battery replaced, check your owners manual for further details
- When your smoke alarms battery is low or there may be a fault, it may Beep or Chirp
- Always re-test your smoke alarm after installing a replacement battery
- After 10 years, all smoke alarms require replacemnt
And remember, in the event of a fire:
- Get low, and remain under the smoke
- If safe to do so, assist and alert others in danger
- Move to a meeting place which is safe such as the end of your driveway or the letterbox
- Call 000 immediately
- Wait for emergency services to arrive and do not re-enter the house under any circumstances
For more information read the "Changing Your Smoke Alarm Fact Sheet."