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What You Need To Know About Fire Safety Solutions In Your Home

January 13, 2022

Accidental fires can spread quickly in homes, engulfing an entire room in minutes. Every prevention measure (like smoke alarms or fire extinguishers) provides another layer of protection against potentially devastating house fires.

The fact is most Perth house fires are preventable. With the right fire safety solutions, smoke detectors installed where they should be, and professional advice from a fire safety expert, you can protect your family, home and prized possessions.

So how do you go about installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and other fire safety solutions at home? And how do you know if you are properly protected?

Let’s run through some fire safety tips for Western Australian homeowners.

Fire Alarms

You’ve probably heard the DFES catchphrase: “smoke alarms save lives”. Here at NJP Electrical, we couldn’t agree more.

Smoke alarms (also called smoke detectors and fire alarms) are your first line of defence. They’re sensitive enough to detect small smoke particles in the air, beeping a warning even before flames are visible.

This gives your family time to react, whether that means evacuating or extinguishing the flames (more on that below).

Proper smoke detector installation

Western Australian laws mandate that most houses are kitted out with mains-powered smoke alarms. However, where to install smoke alarms depends on your dwelling type.

At the very least, your home should have smoke detectors on every storey. But that’s the bare minimum. We always advise WA families to install a smoke alarm:

  • In every bedroom
  • In hallways outside bedrooms
  • In the living room and/or dining room

Place smoke detectors high up, ideally on the ceiling. Avoid placing one over your cooktop, although installing a smoke detector outside the kitchen is a smart move. Accidentally setting it off might even improve your cooking skills!

Do you need an electrician to install smoke alarms in your home?

If your home falls into any of the following categories, the law requires you to have mains-powered smoke alarms:

  • Built after 1 July 1997
  • Substantially renovated after 1 July 1997
  • Sold since 1 October 2009
  • Available for hire or rent since 1 October 2009

A licenced electrician must install mains-powered smoke alarms. Give us a call to arrange affordable, professional smoke alarm installation so you can sleep easier at night.

Fire Extinguishers

When you think of ‘fire extinguishers’ in your home, what comes to mind? There are several types of extinguishers suitable for domestic use:

  • Dry powder (or dry chemical) used for most home, car or caravan fires
  • Carbon dioxide for small contained fires
  • Fire blanket used to suppress small fires, e.g. in the kitchen

Foam and wet chemical fire extinguishers are dangerous when used on electrical fires, and water-based extinguishers can make cooking fires much worse. Therefore, we recommend steering clear of these.

Instead, keep a fire blanket (at least 1m x 1m) within reach and a small domestic fire extinguisher under the kitchen bench.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Does your family know what to do if a fire breaks out? Fires can incite panic, so just like at work, we recommend running fire drills to prepare your family in case of an emergency.

Make sure everyone knows:

  • How to respond if they see flames
  • Where to find fire suppression equipment (if they’re capable of using it)
  • Where to meet
  • How to dial 000

Advice and Expertise From Perth’s Fire Safety Professionals

NJP Electrical are Perth’s innovative fire solutions experts. We offer expert fire safety planning, smoke alarm installation, fire extinguisher and fire blanket supply and more.

Request a free quote online, and we’ll be in touch right away to help you and your family stay safe as houses.

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