As Victorians wind their clocks back this weekend when daylight saving comes to an end, firefighters are reminding people to test their smoke alarms to ensure they are in working order.

On average, 18 people die in house fires in Victoria each year.

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM warned that in a fire, every second counts.

“While Victorians might gain an extra hour on Sunday, in the event of a fire they would not be so lucky - a smoke alarm is your first line of defence,” Commissioner Freeman said.

“Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning to help you and your family escape. Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes and smoke will not wake you up.”

Commissioner Freeman said it was important to not only install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways but to test them regularly.

“To test your smoke alarm, simply press the ‘test’ button for about three seconds. If you don’t hear three beeps it’s a good sign the battery or smoke alarm needs replacing,” Commissioner Freeman said.

“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed yearly.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the best way to keep your family safe is to install interconnected smoke alarms, so that when one alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound, allowing you to evacuate early.

“Last year our CFA firefighters attended 870 residential fires and tragically, four of those ended with lives lost, which could have been prevented,” CO Heffernan said.

“Smoke alarms with 10-year long life batteries combined with monthly testing could just save your life. It’s also best to install a smoke alarm on each level of your home and where devices are often charged, such as garages.

“We encourage you to take the time to check your smoke alarms this weekend.”

When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, FRV and CFA recommend:

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.
• Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house. Install a smoke alarm on each level of the house.
• The use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year.
• Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.