On Friday 10 March 2006, the NSW Government gazetted new regulations requiring smoke alarms in all existing homes, apartments and other shared accommodation where people sleep.

Some 144 people have died in house fires in NSW in the past five years, 60% during sleeping hours. An estimated 670, 000 dwellings in NSW still do not have smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are an effective early-warning device to alert people to the presence of fire so they have more time to escape.

To help save lives, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Smoke Alarms) Regulation 2006 will, from 1 May 2006, require all owners of existing residences to have smoke alarms installed. The regulation outlines the types of buildings that require alarms, the type of alarms required and where they are to be located. Owners will have six months to comply but homeowners are strongly encouraged to install these life saving devices as soon as possible.

Information about the new regulation is available on the Department of Planning’s website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

A Smoke Alarms Help Line has been set up for all NSW residents about the new regulation and how to comply on 1300 858 812 or they can email questions to [email protected].

Specific information about types of smoke alarms can be found on the NSW Fire Brigades website: www.fire.nsw.gov.au.

If you do not have a smoke alarm installed, please act quickly to comply. Every smoke alarm has the potential to save lives.