Smoke Alarms
72% of fatal fires start in bedrooms and living areas, between the hours of 9pm and 6am.
Fires spread extremely quickly and if a fire does take hold, you could have just seconds to escape.
Additional smoke alarms in your home – including bedrooms – will provide those precious seconds, when you need them most.
Smoke alarm recommendations for your home
Victoria’s fire and rescue services recommend all smoke alarms to be:
- powered by a long-life lithium battery
- installed in all sleeping areas of the home, including bedrooms and living areas
- installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall
- tested monthly
- cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year to remove dust particles, and
- replaced every 10 years, regardless of the type of smoke alarm.
For more information about the cost and differences of smoke alarms, and what Victoria’s fire services recommend, download the flyer:
For information regarding smoke alarms and smoke alarm maintenance, visit:
cfa.vic.gov.au/smokealarms
frv.vic.gov.au/smoke-alarms
Victorian smoke alarm legislation
By law, you must have smoke alarms between each sleeping area (usually your bedroom) and the rest of the house.
By law, you must have at least one smoke alarm on each level of a home.
Smoke alarms must meet Australian standard: AS 3786.
For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms in every sleeping area and living room. If one smoke alarm activates, all alarms will sound.
Smoke alarms, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced every 10 years.