According to recent research only 10 per cent of Australian family households admitting to meeting Australia’s fire and emergency services. The research also found that only 10 per cent of those Australian households surveyed are testing their smoke alarms monthly with only 42 per cent changing their smoke alarm batteries annually.
“Australians are placing themselves in danger by failing to test and check their smoke alarms, according to this latest research from Duracell,” said campaign spokesperson CFA Deputy Chief Officer Steve Warrington.
It was also revealed one in three family households had disconnected their smoke alarm to stop a “false” alarm, rendering the unit useless and putting families at risk.
“Australia’s fire and emergency services attended more than 13,000 home fires around the country in 2012. Most of these were caused by faulty electrical equipment or leaving cooking unattended,” CFA Deputy Chief Officer Steve Warrington commented.

The 2013 Duracell Fire Safety Survey of Australian mothers also revealed:
• Only 33 per cent of family households with a single smoke alarm test it properly (by pressing the button until the siren sounds);
• Most house fires start in the kitchen yet 96 per cent of Australian mothers admit to multi-tasking while cooking;
• Over half of those Australian mothers who do multi-task (59 per cent) admit to doing so on a daily basis, with the majority (97 per cent) multi-tasking while cooking at least once a week; and
• 74 per cent of mothers who prepare the family meal admit to accidentally leaving a cooking appliance on

AUSTRALIAN FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES RECOMMEND YOU:
• Test your smoke alarm (by pressing the ‘test’ button) once per month to ensure the battery and alarm sounds are operating.
• Clean your smoke alarm with a vacuum cleaner annually to remove particles that affect smoke alarm performance.
• Replace your smoke alarm battery annually with a long-lasting 9 volt alkaline battery.
• Install smoke alarms in areas that will wake all occupants in the home and give them time to evacuate. For example, each sleeping area, with additional smoke alarms installed along the paths of travel to exits i.e. hallways and living areas. If you live in a house with more than one level, install a smoke alarm on the ceiling at the head of the stairway connecting the levels
• Develop a home escape plan and practise it regularly.