Change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery
Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding residents to change their smoke alarm batteries when turning their clocks back this Easter long weekend for the end of Daylight Savings.
“I encourage everyone to heed the advice issued by Fire and Rescue NSW and replace the batteries in all their smoke alarms this Sunday 5 April,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Duncan Gair.
“This not only means changing batteries in smoke alarms in their house, but in any other accommodation that they may temporarily reside in,” Councillor Gair added.
“This may include caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep.”
Mayor Gair said it was vitally important that smoke alarms were properly working before the cooler weather set in.
“Winter is an especially dangerous period for fire and smoke related incidents as people turn to indoor heating appliances for warmth during the cooler months,” he said.
“Our Shire’s elderly are particularly vulnerable over this period.”
Statistics from Fire and Rescue NSW indicate that a third of all preventable fire deaths across the state occur amongst our over 65’s.
“I also urge neighbours of elderly or disabled residents who may be alone to check on them and ask if they need help in changing their smoke alarm batteries in time for winter.”
Fire and Rescue NSW can also assist the elderly and people with a disability to change their smoke alarm batteries as part of their SABRE program. Under the program firefighters from local stations may be able to replace existing smoke batteries at no cost at a pre-arranged time. The resident must supply the battery-operated smoke alarm or batteries. Firefighters can also provide safety advice whilst visiting the premise.
Eligible residents should contact their local Fire and Rescue NSW Fire Station. Details can be found in the Government Section of the White Pages or by contacting Fire and Rescue NSW on phone 1800 151 614.
“Changing your smoke alarm batteries may well save a life this winter.”
For more information visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au.