Fire Safety Tips for Residents in QLD: Proper Use of Smoke Alarms
As a resident of Queensland, fire safety should be a top priority. While it is not a pleasant thought, having a fire in your home can be a catastrophic event with severe consequences. The good news is that there are things you can do to help protect your family, property and possessions.
One of the essential steps you can take to ensure your safety is by properly using smoke alarms. Pacific Smoke Alarms, Queensland’s expert smoke alarm provider, has put together actionable fire safety tips for Queensland residents. Here are some critical tips for proper use of smoke alarms:
Install Smoke Alarms in the Right Places
Every level of your home should have at least one smoke alarm. Ensure that smoke alarms are installed in the hallways leading to the bedrooms and sleeping areas. Putting smoke alarms in common living spaces such as your living/dining room and kitchen is also essential. Place smoke alarms in a position that provides early fire detection, such as the ceiling or high on a wall.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Ensure that your smoke alarms are working correctly by performing regular maintenance checks. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services suggest replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms annually. If the smoke alarm has a sealed battery, put a reminder in your calendar to replace the entire unit every ten years.
Clean your smoke alarms regularly with a vacuum or soft brush to remove dust and other debris that may hinder their functioning. Your smoke alarm should also undergo a professional inspection every two years to ensure it meets Queensland’s safety standards.
Create an Evacuation Plan
Knowing what to do if there is a fire in your home can save your life and belongings. Create an evacuation plan that includes a designated meeting point outside your home. Practise your evacuation plan with your family regularly and ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire. Smoke alarms serve as an alert for an impending fire, enabling you and your family to evacuate before the situation worsens.
Having the right smoke alarms installed in your home can be the key to saving lives and property in case of a fire. Smoke alarms are not complicated to install, maintain or check – and even the most basic level of protection can make a significant difference.
Pacific Smoke Alarms are the go-to experts in smoke alarms in Queensland. We ensure your safety by increasing awareness and providing the highest standard of smoke alarm services and maintenance.
Use these tips as a guideline and take the necessary steps to ensure that your home’s smoke alarms are working correctly. Contact us for more tips.