Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews are assisting the state’s most vulnerable residents, replacing smoke alarms at retirement villages across the Central Coast.
FRNSW has responded to more than 760 residential fires so far this winter and 15 people have been killed in blazes regarded as preventable.
In around 45 per cent of incidents, smoke alarms did not activate, and one in five of those homes did not have a smoke alarm at all.
Fire crews at Kincumber have been visiting retirement villages in their region, helping hundreds of residents replace smoke alarms and batteries.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said seniors are most at risk of house fires due to their age and reduced mobility.
“I urge everyone through our region to test their smoke alarms and make sure they are in good working order. If there’s no smoke alarm or it’s faulty, please make sure it is replaced as soon as possible,” Mr Crouch said.
“It may just save your life and those of your loved ones.”
Kincumber Station Officer Iain McGuire said his crews have been replacing old, substandard smoke alarms with new 10-year Lithium battery devices.
“Replacing a smoke alarm or its battery can be very difficult for seniors, especially if they live alone or have mobility issues,” Station Officer McGuire said.
“We’re finding some of the outdated alarms are falling apart in our hands, so we’re more than happy to replace them for people.
McGuire called on residents to check on elderly neighbours and help them with their smoke alarms, especially if they live alone.
“We’re assisting the relocatable home villages as a key focus point of our home safety visits program.
Anyone unable to replace a smoke alarm is urged contact their local fire station to book a home safety visit: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9316
Source: FRNSW Media