***VISION ALERT*** First batch of 5,000 new smoke alarms arrives at Fire and Rescue NSW - Sydney
Published: 05 Jul 2024 04:00pm
The first shipment of five-thousand new smoke alarms has arrived at Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) headquarters, ready for installation in homes across the state this winter.
FRNSW is encouraging residents to ensure their homes are fitted with working smoke alarms to protect themselves and their loved ones from fire.
In just over a month, five people have been killed in residential fires in New South Wales.
The importance of smoke alarms was also reflected in late May when two alarms, installed in a house at Macquarie Fields by a visiting FRNSW crew, sounded during a fire at the home days later, saving a mother and her nine children from potential tragedy.
The new batch of alarms will be distributed to FRNSW stations across the state, allowing firefighters to carry out Home Fire Safety Visits.
During those visits, fire crews can inspect your property, provide safety advice and fit an alarm, free of charge, where required.
You can book a safety visit through the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits [external link]
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the new batch of alarms will especially help firefighters assist vulnerable members of the community.
“Smoke alarms definitely save lives,” Commissioner Fewtrell said, “They provide people with the earliest notification and the most amount of time to get out safely in the event of a fire.
“Our firefighters will be out in the community, conducting safety visits in people’s homes, talking to them about fire safety and installing alarms to save lives,” he said.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said having a working smoke alarm installed in your home can make all the difference, especially during winter when house fires are more common.
“Having a smoke alarm installed is an easy way to help safeguard your loved ones and gain peace of mind.”
Media note – footage of the first batch of alarms and grabs of the Commissioner can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/977276918/1a9fbd505f [external link]
Updated: 05 Jul 2024 04:04pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
166 Kent Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
147 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
211-217 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000