Better late than never

Those who followed Fire and Emergency NZ’s official advice would have checked their smoke alarm batteries on Sunday when daylight saving ended, but for those who did not it was better late than never according to national adviser fire risk management Peter Gallagher.

He was especially keen to get the message across to young people and renters.

“Growing numbers of New Zealanders are heeding advice and installing smoke alarms in their homes, but they aren’t so good at making sure they work properly. It’s a gap that is putting lives at risk, especially among younger people and renters,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Too many people trust smoke alarms to work, unquestioningly, and don’t think they need to test them. Instead they rely on other indicators to warn them if the alarms are faulty or the batteries need replacing. But that may not be enough to keep them safe.”

It was heartening that more people are installing smoke alarms, but pointless having them if they were not working correctly.

“People tell us that if the light is flashing and the alarm isn’t chirping then they must be fine, but that’s not always the case. Smoke alarms don’t last forever: they all have expiry dates and need to be Kaitaia volunteer firefighter Kori Puckey would be happy to wake someone whose home was on fire in the wee small hours, but would much prefer that a smoke alarm roused them before she got there.

replaced,” he added.

Those aged 16-24 were less likely than other age groups to have alarms, or to check them.

“If your children have left

home you can talk to them about the importance of smoke alarms. Make sure they’re installed wherever they are living, and, when you check your own alarms, remind them to check theirs,” said.

Renters were also among those less likely to check their alarms. Some mistakenly believed it was the landlord’s responsibility, while others didn’t have ladders so couldn’t reach them.

Landlords were required to provide working smoke alarms at the start of a tenancy, and replace them when they expired, but it was the tenant’s responsibility to maintain them and replace the batteries when needed.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s advice was:

■ Check smoke alarm batteries once a month by pressing the test button. If the alarm doesn’t have a button, check its expiry date.

■ If you cannot reach the button and don’t have a ladder, use a broom handle.

■ Dust and debris can stop alarms from working properly, and cause false alarms, so vacuum over regularly.

■ Check the expiry date on the bottom of each alarm and replace when necessary.

■ For more information about choosing, installing and checking smoke alarms, go to www.fireandemergency.nz/athome/smoke-alarms/ Currently 88 per cent of New Zealanders have at least one smoke alarm, up from 82 per cent in 2014. The target is 96 per cent.