Winter always produces a peak when it comes to house fires, and this past few days of low temperatures has been no exception. The fire brigade has issued a warning to be careful in using room heaters and electric blankets - and to maintain smoke alarms.
The problem with smoke alarms is that they are easily forgotten. They need a battery to be able to emit that shrill warning when they detect smoke - and that means that the battery must be tested regularly - and replaced at least once a year.
Smoke alarm maintenance is a huge problem for some elderly and infirm people. To be effective, smoke alarms are sited on the ceiling or at least high on the wall - and that involves using a step ladder for access. Old people with poor balance should not be climbing ladders, and those without a close family to give assistance can not do this basic service function. As a result, many smoke alarms are not functional and can not do the job for which they are intended.
Help is available - but unfortunately the service is poorly advertised. Pensioners and people with mobility problems have only to call their local fire station and a fire crew will respond by making a call and servicing their smoke alarm. Not only will the alarm be serviced, but in New South Wales the fire brigade will provide and install a new battery - free of charge.
To add a reminder to call again next year, the fire brigade provides a fridge magnet on which they write the date of the service, hence a service and battery replacement should become an annual event for elderly people.
Having a working smoke alarm is the first line of defence when it comes to house fires. It is a pity that this excellent service is not more widely advertised in pensioner magazines.
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