DAYLIGHT savings ends this weekend, and residents are reminded to change their smoke alarm batteries when setting their clocks back one hour.

Bulahdelah Rural Fire Brigade Deputy Captain Rod Paar, said only a working smoke alarm can save lives.

“Having a smoke alarm with flat batteries is just as bad as having none at all,” he said.

“A fire can take hold in just a few minutes and fill your home with deadly smoke, that will kill you faster than the fire itself,”

Rod said a working smoke alarm can provide an early warning, giving your family vital seconds to get out before they are overcome by the smoke.

“Smoke alarm batteries should be tested every three months, and replaced every 12 months,” he said.

“Alarms should be spread across the house and it is also important to use the correct type.”

The RFS recommends that householders install photoelectric, interconnected and hard-wired smoke alarms.

As well as replacing batteries this weekend, the RFS urges everyone to test their alarms.

“It’s very simple to test the alarms, with just a push of the button,” Rod said.

“Alarms have a life of 10-years, so check the expiry date as well.”

Rod told News Of The Area, a working smoke alarm, along with a practiced evacuation plan, will provide the best chances of escaping a fire.

“It is critical to have an evacuation plan, especially with young children, so they know what to do in an emergency,” he said.

For more information about home fire safety, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Daylight saving will end in NSW this Sunday 2 April, when clocks go back one hour at 3am.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN