For assistance with installing smoke alarms in your home.  Please contact your local fire station.  Stoke Fire Station (03) 547 6898 Fire Officers can help by installing alarms if you are unable to and can give advice on where to place them.  Look under Fire Service in your phone book.

Fires start quietly and grow quickly. If you are asleep you can't smell smoke and can't detect a fire. Smoke alarms can save lives and property by alerting you when a fire is still small. You don't know where a fire will start so install a smoke alarm in each bedroom and living area.  In kitchen areas you may need a special type of alarm

Install smoke alarms in the centre of the ceiling. If this is not possible install them at least 300mm away from any corner or wall. If they are on a wall, put them 150mm from the ceiling. Test smoke alarms each month by pushing the test button with a broom handle or a long stick to ensure it beeps and change the battery when required Buy smoke alarms that have one of the following standards symbol below.

Gently dust the alarm with a vacuum cleaner brush every six months.  A good reminder for changing the battery is every daylight savings time or before if needed.