​From 1 May 2006, all NSW residents must have at
least one working smoke alarm installed in their homes. This includes rental
properties, owner occupied, and temporary accommodation.
Council
currently regulates through the development approval process a condition of
consent that all new alterations and additions to dwellings and any new homes
are to be updated with hard wired smoke detectors. (Smoke detectors connected to
your electricity supply). However, if you were not doing any building works, a
smoke detector could not be enforced on a home owner. New legislation changes
that and a smoke detector will be required in all dwellings.
For those properties
not undertaking building works a standard battery operated smoke detector from a
hardware store is acceptable.
The NSWFB as a community incentive for
seniors will replace old batteries in existing smoke detectors and also help
install new smoke detectors once a senior resident has bought them. Contact the
local NSW Fire Station in Lane Cove on 9901 2420 to arrange this.