Smoke alarms didn't save Bella's teddy.
They saved her life.
Press their buttons to make sure they’re ready to protect you
- 3:00
Smoke from a house fire can kill in less than three minutes.
- 40%
of residential fires we attended last year did not have smoke alarms installed.
- 4x
You're four times more likely to survive a house fire if you have a working smoke alarm.
Which type of smoke alarm should you buy?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommend long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. They are far more effective than ionisation alarms at detecting slow smouldering fires, which burn for hours before bursting into flames.
Better yet, choose a set of photoelectric smoke alarms that can be connected to each other wirelessly, via a dedicated radio frequency, or wiring together. If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner. This is especially important in multi-storey homes and homes with long hallways
Where should I put smoke alarms?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommend installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway and living area. You may also choose to install a heat alarm in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom or garage.
- Don't put a smoke alarm in your kitchen, where smoke from cooking could set it off – use a heat alarm here instead.
- Smoke alarms cannot detect smoke through a closed door, so think carefully about the layout of your home.
Smoke alarm maintenance guide
How to maintain and check your smoke alarms regularly.
Once a month
Press the test button to sound the alarm. (Use a broom handle if you can't reach the button).
Every six months
Vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to help avoid false alarms.
Every year
Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there's no expiry date, it's best to replace the alarm.
If you have a 9V battery alarm, replace the battery every year. Your alarms will start to beep regularly if the battery is low.
Every 10 years
Replace all smoke alarms with new long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
For hard-wired smoke alarms
Follow the testing and maintenance schedule provided by the installer.
Have you made your household escape plan?
Prepare to survive a house fire
