Smoke Alarms
Only working smoke alarms save lives
Why should I have a smoke alarm?
When you’re asleep you lose your sense of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic nose. It will alert you if there is smoke from a fire.
A small fire can grow to involve an entire room in two - three minutes. A smoke alarm provides early warning and time to escape.
Download an information brochure here 
Smoke Alarm Brochure (3 MB)
Smoke alarms are compulsory in every home.
Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian standards AS 3786) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses.
It is the legal responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.
All smoke alarms:
- Must contain a battery
- Need to be tested regularly
- Need to be replaced after 10 years
Living with your smoke alarm
How do I test and clean my smoke alarm?
- Monthly: Test by pressing the test button with a broom handle
- Yearly: Vacuum around your smoke alarm vents
- Yearly: Replace your 9 volt battery each year at the end of daylight saving
The MFB’s campaign at the end of daylight saving each year reminds people to:
“Change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery”
Smoke alarm subsidy for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
A specialised smoke alarm is available for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Due to the cost of this type of smoke alarm, the Department of Human Services provides assistance via a subsidy.
Eligibility criteria does apply. For more information go to Vicdeaf Smoke Alarm Subsidy
For further general information please contact the Community Resilience Department on (03) 9665 4464 or commres@mfb.vic.gov.au