Daylight saving will end this Sunday, April 5, meaning clocks need to be turned back one hour at 3am, Eastern Standard Time.
Residents are also encouraged to check that the battery in their smoke alarms are working properly.
Victoria’s fire services are asking people to do this life-saving check after recent research showing that the number and location of functioning smoke alarms increase your family’s chances of escaping a fire.
According to the CFA Victoria, research shows that less than half of all properties attended by fire services had smoke alarms and, of those that did have alarms, one third didn’t work.
The CFA recommends for minimum protection installing a smoke alarm outside each bedroom or sleeping area in the home. If you live in a house with more than one level, install smoke alarms on each level.
With a big increase in people working from home in the wake of the coronavirus, the fire services say it’s important to check that you’re not overloading power boards, which can also be a fire risk.
The CFA says the most common place in the home where fires start is in the kitchen. Many kitchen fires are caused by cooking that has been left unattended. Others are caused by electrical faults and flammable items such as paper towels and curtains that are too close to sources of heat like the stove or toaster.
As we’re moving into the cooler weather, it’s also a good time to check your electric blankets and heaters. If there is a chance something is faulty, don’t take the risk.
For more home safety tips, visit the CFA Victoria website
