RACV and CFA launch free smoke alarm installation program for at-risk Victorians

RACV and CFA have joined forces to launch a Smoke Alarm Installation program aimed at improving home safety for 500 at-risk residents in rural and regional Victoria, such as renters and elderly Victorians.

The program, which will provide free smoke alarms, also seeks to increase awareness of home fire hazards and reduce the number of preventable fire fatalities.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasised the importance of working smoke alarms in preventing house fire fatalities, stating, “We’ve seen the devastating results of house fires where there wasn’t a working smoke alarm, so this is an important program to ensure we’re helping our communities, especially those more vulnerable such as renters and elderly Victorians.”

Statistics indicate that many homes either lack sufficient smoke alarms or have them installed in the wrong areas, with several fatal house fires starting in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said, “Through our work with CFA, we aim to address the gaps we know exist in smoke alarm coverage throughout Victorian homes. We believe that every Victorian deserves to feel safe and secure in their own home.”

A recent RACV poll revealed that while 58 per cent of Victorian respondents test their smoke alarms monthly and replace them yearly, only 24 per cent have upgraded to an interconnected smoke alarm system, and 18 per cent don’t understand how their smoke alarms work.

CFA recommends that all smoke alarms in the home be powered by a 10-year lithium battery, be interconnected, and installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway on the property.

The program will also provide support for those in need, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to safety, with CFA resources available in multiple languages to enhance accessibility.

For more information on the Smoke Alarm Installation Program, interested individuals can visit the CFA website.