Mayor urges residents to install smoke alarms in caravans

12 April, 2011Posted in: Community
 

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Halstead says it’s now compulsory for people to install smoke alarms in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep.

“There are limited escape options from fires in caravans, so the warning a smoke alarm gives can mean the difference between life and death,” Mayor Halstead advised.

“You have just a few seconds to get out of a burning caravan, because they are made of lightweight and highly combustible fittings; fires can take off frighteningly fast.”

“These changes apply to all new and existing moveable dwellings where people sleep – which includes caravans, campervans, holiday vans, park vans, annexes and associated structures.”

“If you are an owner of such a vehicle, you’re the one responsible for installing and maintaining a smoke alarm.”

“Dwellings not regularly moved, but still used for accommodation (such as caravans in backyards) are also covered by this change.”

“Smoke alarms cost as little as $15 but will save something more precious than money – human life,” the Mayor added.

These changes to NSW law came into effect on February 25, 2011. However, there’s a six-month grace period to August 25, 2011, before fines will apply for non-installation of a smoke alarm.

Further information is available at www.fire.nsw.gov.au or www.planning.nsw.gov.au.