Firefighters from the Narromine Fire Station are urging seniors in the community to change their smoke alarm batteries, now that daylight savings has ended.
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Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are offering home fire safety check's for seniors as part of the annual 'change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery' campaign.
Firefighters encourage those most at risk in the Narromine community - those aged over 65 - to contact their local fire station if they need help changing their smoke alarm battery, of for a free home fire safety check.
"If you cannot climb a ladder and have no family, friends or neighbours to help you, we will come out and replace seniors' smoke alarm batteries free of charge as part of the home fire safety check program," Narromine Station Commander, Captain Ewen Jones said.
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"We are now fitting the latest photoelectric smoke alarms, that are fitted with a 10 year lithium battery at no cost.
He said a fifth of all house fires involve seniors and the most important thing those over 65 can do to reduce their risk of fires in the home is to have a working smoke alarm.
"A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke. A working smoke alarm gives you vital seconds to get out before you're overcome," Captain Jones said.
"We have already fitted over 50 new photoelectric smoke alarms in Narromine during April 2019. We have plenty more new smoke alarms available."
Station Commander Jones said it was also important that seniors left keys in, or near, deadlocks so that they can escape quickly in an emergency.
"Don't fight the fire - get out and stay out and dial Triple Zero (000) from a safe place," he said.
For inquiries phone the Narromine Fire Station on 6889 1203 or 0419 607 381.
