While you’re changing your clocks back one hour on Sunday, 5 April 2015 NSW Fire and Rescue are urging all residents to change their smoke alarm batteries too.
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Station Commander Matt Goldman said senior Glen Innes residents can get their smoke alarm batteries changed by firefighters if they are unable to climb a ladder.
“We change about 200 smoke alarms batteries per year, it is a free service,” he said.
“Seniors are 14 per cent more likely to be injured in a fire than other members of the community.”
Mr Goldman recommends smoke alarms are mounted on ceilings at least one metre from the corner of the room, preferably in the centre of a room.
People who don’t have smoke alarms are twice as likely to die in a house fire, as they lose critical seconds to escape.
Hearing and sight impaired people are also included in this statistic.
There are newer smoke alarms have lights which can be mounted above beds and vibrating pads which can be placed under pillows to help warn people with impairments.
Mr Goldman also suggests that people clear chimneys, check electric blankets and do not overload their powerpoints coming into the cooler months.
It is NSW legislation to have smoke alarms installed on each level of a residential building, as well as in camper vans, caravans and relocatable homes.
If you are a senior needing your smoke alarm batteries changed contact the Glen Innes Fire Station on 6732 5379.