By Jessica Micallef
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents are being urged to install interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway.
The latest data from the CFA reveals less than 20 per cent of Victorians have smoke alarms in bedrooms.
CFA data collected in the past decade revealed most residential fire fatalities and injuries occurred from blazes which started in sleeping areas.
CFA chief executive Steve Warrington said while most Victorians knew they needed to check and test their smoke alarms every month, most residents were not aware of where alarms should be located in the house.
“CFA data shows that most causalities and injuries during home fires are a result of fires occurring in the bedroom,” he said.
“It is incredibly concerning that research says only 16 per cent of people have smoke alarms in their bedrooms. It’s really important that you have a smoke alarm in your bedroom, especially if you sleep with the door closed.
“Your sense of smell decreases while you sleep and a working smoke alarm in the bedroom can mean the difference between life and death.”
Metropolitan Fire Brigade acting chief executive Greg Leach said smoke alarms were the first line of defence in protection in the event of a fire.
“Many of the house fires we attend occur overnight, often at a time when people are asleep,” he said. “If you don’t have a smoke alarm in your bedroom and fire breaks out at the other end of the home, by the time the smoke gets into your bedroom, it may be too late.
“It is for this reason that Victorian firefighters recommend interconnected smoke alarms to ensure that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
“Having working smoke alarms throughout your home will give you a vital early warning sign and give you the best possible chance of survival.”
