Gold Coast home owners will need to fit all bedrooms and hallways with photoelectric smoke alarms under new laws that came into effect on 1 January 2017.

The Queensland state government made the change to the law in August last year following recommendations from a coronial inquest into the tragic Slacks Creek fire in 2011 that claimed 11 lives. Gold Coasters and other Queenslanders will have up to 10 years to make sure their smoke alarms meet the new standard.

Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan says that under the new laws, every residence will need to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms of the home as well as in hallways or between areas containing bedrooms.

“Private dwellings will be required to comply with the full smoke alarm requirements within 10 years and all houses leased or sold will need to meet compliance within five years,” said the Minister.

The new laws specify that smoke alarms must be photoelectric and interconnected – which are proven to be the most effective.

“An interconnected alarm system means that if you are asleep it doesn’t matter what part of the house the fire starts in, the alarm in your room will alert you,” he said.

“This is a life-saving overhaul to Queensland’s smoke alarm systems [and] means we are leading the country with these reforms.”

“When a smoke alarm sounds, you need to know what to do. You may have as little as 15 seconds to enact your fire escape plan.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll added that Gold Coast residents should also review their fire escape plans.

“We want everyone to have the all-important conversation about how your family will escape your home in the event of a fire,” said Commissioner Carroll.

“When a smoke alarm sounds, you need to know what to do. You may have as little as 15 seconds to enact your fire escape plan.

“Talk to your friends, flatmates and neighbours too – it could be the difference between life and death.”

More information on the update smoke alarm legislation can be found here

Credit MyGC

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