A House Fire can strike at any time and New Queensland Smoke Alarm Laws were passed in Parliament on the 31st August 2016. What does that mean to you?
From the 1st January 2017, all new homes approved for builds needed to comply with the new amended legislation that consists of; “A Photoelectric Smoke Alarm in Every Bedroom, in the Hallway of those Bedrooms, on each level of the home at the exit paths and that those Smoke Alarms must be Interconnected, so when One Smoke Alarm is activated, they are all activated”, to give you the earliest possible warning to escape the home in the event of a fire.
From the 1st January 2022, all Rental properties must comply with the new amended legislation, so if you are a landlord, you have just over 12 months to have the works completed. Discuss with your real estate property manager or your local electrician to have your property compliant, also from that day, all properties sold must also comply with the same amended legislation.
From the 1st January 2027, all homes in the state of Queensland will need to be upgraded with the new amended smoke alarm legislation.
We encourage all home owners to contact your local electrician that will be able to assist you in your decision to upgrade your premises and become compliant with the new legislation. Your electrician will be aware of what type of smoke alarm is to be installed and the correct placement of those smoke alarms in the home.
Every smoke alarm only has a 10 Year life span, so that means every 10 years those smoke alarms will need to be replaced completely, again your electrician can assist. All hardwired smoke alarms have a 9 volt battery backup, and that 9 volt battery should be replaced on the 1st April every year, as that is the Queensland State Awareness day to Check and Replace your battery.
We also recommend you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket at the ready within the home, preferably near the Kitchen.
The family household should also have and practice a fire evacuation plan. We encourage the family to test the smoke alarms and practice your fire evacuation plan every month; get the kids involved so they know exactly what to do in the event of a fire occurring.
Renters should have contents insurance, policies start as little as $1 per day, and landlords and homeowners, please ensure your home insurance is current and up to date.
The most important message we can pass on is, if a fire breaks out in the home, evacuate safely, go to your meeting place implemented in your fire evacuation plan and dial 000.
For more information, please visit www.LHFSN.org or www.qfes.qld.gov.au
