NRMA Insurance is urging Queenslanders to take fire safety more seriously, after research revealed Brisbane residents were the worst offenders for intentionally disabling smoke alarms.
According to the NRMA Insurance survey almost a third of respondents in Brisbane admitted to intentionally disabling the life-saving device. Across Queensland the figure was one in four.
NRMA Insurance Motor and Home Sales Manager Frank Adler said the findings were a timely reminder as we approach winter - traditionally the worst time for house fires.
"It's the law in our state for all homes and units to have at least one functioning smoke alarm on each storey," he said.
"And there is good reason for that - they have proven time and again to be life savers."
The survey also showed around one in ten residents living in apartment blocks, high rises or units ignored fire alarms in the building.
"Young people are the least likely to evacuate when the smoke alarm sounds in their unit block, with around one in five of those aged 16 to 24 admitting they had ignored a fire alarm in their building," Mr Adler said.
No doubt an overwhelming majority of these alarms are false alarms, but we need to take every alarm seriously.
"We could all be more proactive in fire safety, especially when it comes to checking that our smoke alarms work and regularly replacing the batteries," he said.
Top NRMA Insurance home fire safety tips:
- Install a smoke alarm(s) and check to see if they are working once a month. If you have battery operated alarms, change the batteries at least once a year;
- Have an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in the house knows and practices it regularly;
- Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket at hand;
- Do not key-lock deadlocks on doors when you are home in case you need to leave in a hurry; and
- Call triple zero immediately if fire does break out and cannot be safely and quickly controlled.
NRMA Insurance also sponsors the QFRS Safehome program, a free check provided by operational fire-fighters to help households reduce the risk of fire and learn what to do if fire starts. To arrange your free Safehome check, contact the QFRS on 1300 369 003.
For more information on home fire safety, go to NRMA Insurance.
