Firefighters concerned about smoke alarm complacency - Tamworth
Published: 25 Jan 2024 09:09am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters, conducting a series of caravan safety inspections during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, have expressed concern at the level of complacency around working smoke alarms.
Over the past six days, local FRNSW crews have visited parks in Tamworth’s riverside camping area, inspecting caravan and campervan smoke alarms and providing crucial fire safety advice to those attending the popular festival.
The parks are at capacity with additional camping sites being acquired.
The firefighters visited more than 160 caravans and recreational vehicles, replacing 75 smoke alarms that were not working.
They also replaced 20 smoke alarm batteries, that were either not working or missing from alarms.
FRNSW Zone Commander, Tom Cooper, has expressed concern about the level of complacency around caravan smoke alarms.
“Almost half the caravans we visited did not have a working smoke alarm,” Superintendent Cooper explained, “That’s disturbing, a working smoke alarm may be the only thing that saves the lives of you and your loved ones in the event of a fire.”
“In a few cases where the batteries were missing, the campers told our firefighters they’d removed them because cooking would often set off the alarms,” Superintendent Cooper said.
“The beeping might be annoying, but if your alarm’s not working, it can’t save you.
“Caravanners could consider purchasing photo-electric smoke alarms which aren’t as sensitive to cooking and require smoke to break a beam to activate.
“Other smoke alarms we encountered were well past their 10-year shelf-life and had to be replaced.
Legislation requires a working smoke alarm to be fitted to every caravan and another placed in any annex used as a sleeping area.
The fire crews also inspected gas cooking facilities and LPG cylinders on board the vans.
The fittings and hoses all seemed to be in good order.
“We urge everyone to include smoke alarm checks when preparing their caravans and RV’s," Supt Cooper said.
FRNSW advice for caravan/RV users:
- Make sure your caravan has a working smoke alarm as well as a fire extinguisher (dry chemical powder) and a fire blanket located near the exit
- Have an escape plan in case of fire and make sure nothing blocks your escape route
- Ensure LPG cylinders are secured correctly to the caravan and that all fittings and hose lines are in good working order
- Ensure you turn off any pilot lights before towing or when the towing vehicle’s engine is running
- Pre-plan how you can call Triple Zero (000) for help if you’re travelling to locations with limited mobile coverage
- Pack a portable radio to remain updated regarding weather conditions and fire restrictions that may be in force
- Download the EmergencyPlus app . The app uses your mobile GPS data so we can get to you quickly if help is needed.
- Smoke alarm batteries should be regularly tested and swapped out
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years at least
Additional tips can be found here: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=322 [external link]
***Media note – FRNSW footage of the caravan park safety visits can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/905826150/03d127639e?share=copy [external link]
Footage of caravan fires can be found here: https://vimeo.com/892108390/eb6591435e?share=copy [external link] https://vimeo.com/892108455/35f5e03d4e?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 25 Jan 2024 09:13am
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
103 Carthage Street, Tamworth NSW 2340
9-11 The Ringers Road, Hillvue NSW 2340
11 Coronation Ave, Werris Creek NSW 2341