The recent fire related deaths of elderly Victorians has prompted a fire safety awareness initiative for older Victorians to be launched by the Minister for Housing, Richard Wynne, in Melbourne today as part of the State Fire Services annual Winter Fire Safety Campaign.

The Minister will be joined by Maria Doria, aged 79 of Altona, who suffered third-degree burns to 20% of her body when she knocked over a candle in her home and her clothes caught fire. Mrs Doria will speak of her ordeal to help promote fire safety in the home.

A free smoke alarm will be donated as part of the program to older Victorians.

Two thirds of homes damaged or destroyed by fire don't have working smoke alarms, according to CFA and MFB.

Image right: This apartment fire started in the ceiling above the smoke detector and spread through to the adjoining apartment.

The Victorian Government through the Department of Human Services funds the service which is carried out by Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. From today eligible home owners booking a home health and safety inspection will also get a free smoke alarm courtesy of RACV Home Security.

General Manager of Archicentre David Hallett said, "The Victorian Government has had a long commitment to providing free health and safety home inspections for its older or disabled members of the community and those caring for someone with a disability. This program provides the opportunity for seniors to be able to live safely in their homes for longer with an enhanced feeling of security."

CFA's Manager Community Development, Gwynne Brennan, said Victoria's fire services attended an average of 38 fires a week but it was estimated only one third of homes had working smoke alarms.

"While 45% of properties attended had smoke alarms installed, 31% of those were not functioning," she said.

"Many families owe their lives to working smoke alarms as you can't smell smoke when you are asleep. Smoke alarms are an essential early- warning system to alert you and your family to the dangers of fire and smoke."

Research by Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) found that the absence of a smoke alarm can increase the possibility of a fatality by 60%.

MFB's Manager Community Education, Commander Frank Stockton, said, "It is important once you have a smoke alarm you ensure it is in working order. You should test it weekly by pushing the test button with a broom handle to make sure it beeps; dust the alarm with a vacuum cleaner brush and change the battery once a year," he said.

"Smoke alarms don't last forever and usually have a life span of about ten years. If your alarm is older than this Victoria's fire services recommend it be replaced.

"The added safety for older Victorians which is provided by the presence of operational smoke alarms cannot be under estimated, especially for many people who are living on their own.

"Older adults are a high risk group in fire. Medications, decreased mobility and hearing loss can reduce the ability to detect and escape from fire. Impairments can make it difficult for some people to respond quickly to a developing fire. Living alone can also increase their vulnerability to fire," Mr Stockton said.

The Minister Richard Wynne said, "The involvement of the MFB, CFA and RACV Home Security, three organisations with a long record of protecting Victorian people, provides an important local community involvement in the program which will be appreciated by older residents."

Archicentre in its home safety inspections for older persons finds there is a constant need for the monitoring of safety around the home with the most common faults being the use of double adaptors for radiators, clutter of newspapers and deadlocks on doors without keys on the inside.

Victoria's Fire Services urge all Victorians to regularly change their smoke alarm batteries.

There are around 11,000 house fires in Australia each year, resulting in the deaths of approximately 60 people, often children. Even if no one is hurt, the emotional cost of losing a home, with cherished possessions and memories, is traumatic.

Victoria's Fire Services recommend:
- Test smoke alarms weekly by pressing the test button with a broom handle.
- Vacuum smoke alarms monthly to clean the vents.
- Replace the battery annually at the end of daylight saving with a long-life alkaline battery.

The FREE Home Safety Inspections are funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Human Services for aged pensioners, veterans' affairs card holders and disabled persons. To access the service telephone (03) 9815 1900 or 1300 136 513.

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett, General Manager of Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201
MFB Media Contact: Commander Frank Stockton acting Executive Manager Community Education (03) 9420 3878