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Smoke alarm campaign communications kit

The stakeholder kit contains materials you can use to share the campaign messages with your community and networks.

On this page

The smoke alarm campaign from Victoria’s fire services, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), aims to ensure every Victorian understands the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms - particularly in bedrooms and living areas.

Smoke alarms provide a crucial early warning in the event of a fire, giving occupants more time to escape and stay safe.

This campaign shares clear, practical tips to help people install and maintain smoke alarms where they matter most – because when a fire starts, every second counts.

How you can help

Help us spread the word. Share these resources with your community and networks to make sure every Victorian understands just how critical working smoke alarms are - especially in bedrooms and living areas - in saving lives.

When sharing these materials, please do not change any copy and only use materials for their stated purpose. Please feel free to contact CFA or FRV with any questions you may have about sharing materials.

Campaign webpage: www.vic.gov.au/smoke-alarms

Background information

Only working smoke alarms save lives.

Without a smoke alarm a fire is more likely to damage or destroy your property. It is also more likely to cause serious injury or death. When you are asleep you lose your sense of smell. A working smoke alarm will wake you if there is smoke.

We know that people from certain demographics are more likely to die in a house fire, including:

  • seniors and elderly people aged over 65
  • young children aged under 4
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
  • smokers
  • males, particularly those aged over 45
  • people who live in the most socially and financially disadvantaged locations
  • people who live alone
  • people who had medications or alcohol in their blood.

Source: Preventable residential fire fatalities in Australia July 2003 to June 2017

Key messages

  • Only working smoke alarms saves lives.
  • Victorian fire services recommend that smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway.
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
  • Victorian fire services recommend smoke alarms are powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
  • Smoke alarm units, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced at minimum every 10 years.
  • Replaceable 9-volt batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.

Collateral

Enquiries

Enquiries on this communications kit can be emailed to cfapromotions@cfa.vic.gov.au or media@frv.vic.gov.au.

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