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Content Summary:
Last year 70 Australian lives were lost in accidental house fires. In a bid to prevent
these tragedies the fire services ask residents to change their smoke alarm battery
this April Fools day.
Dont be a fool! Change your smoke alarm battery on April 1st campaign, supported
by Duracell, is an annual fire safety campaign promoting the importance of working
smoke alarms. Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning signal in the event of a
fire.
Most of these deaths could have been prevented if the households had working
smoke alarms, said Commander Frank Stockton. Its tragic when you think lives
could have been saved for as little as $5.75, the price of a long-lasting alkaline
battery.
Research by the Australasian Fire Authorities Councils found that the absence of a
smoke alarm can increase the possibility of a fatality by 60%.
Fire services recommend you:
Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button with a broom handle.
Vacuum smoke alarms every six months to clean the vents.
Replace the battery annually with a long-lasting alkaline battery.
Install a smoke alarm outside the sleeping areas on every level of a house, and
install a smoke alarm in bedrooms if people sleep with their doors closed.
Avoid locating smoke alarms near cooking appliances and bathrooms as the
smallest amount of smoke or steam can activate them.
The fire services also recommend that all homes be fitted with Australian Standards-
approved photo-electric smoke alarms.
State Contact:
Northern Territory
NT Fire Service media contact:
Glenda Ramage
08 8999 5511
Queensland
QFRS Media Unit:
Chantelle Rule
07 3247 8902
0419 748 270
Western Australia
FESA media contact:
Anna Wood
0427 386 367
Shot List:
00.00 - 01.20 Fire brigade footage of house fires
01.20 - 02.40 Smoke alarm footage including product shot, installing battery,
testing, mounted on ceiling.
02.40 - 03.15 Interview (3 questions) with Commander Frank Stockton, MFB
Q.1 How effective are smoke alarms?
Q.2 What's the best time to change your battery?
Q.3 How many house fires are there in Australia every year?