Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning sign should there be a fire in your home.

During 2018, Metropolitan Fire Brigade firefighters attended 69 residential structure fires in the City of Glen Eira. Working smoke alarms were present in less than half (43 per cent) of these incidents. Six residences did not have a smoke alarm at all.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jamie Hyams said all smoke alarms (both hardwired and standalone) have a 10-year life span and need to be replaced or they may not work when you need them most.

“Only working smoke alarms save lives — without working smoke alarms you are putting yourself and your family in danger,” he said.

“I urge all residents to make sure your smoke alarms are installed in the correct locations — help your older family members and neighbours as well if they are unsure as they must be located between each bedroom and the rest of the house.

“If you have a multiple storey home, alarms must be installed in every storey and if you sleep with your door shut, consider installing a smoke alarm in the bedroom.”

Remember: all smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and don’t forget to clean your smoke alarm and replace the battery yearly.