Preventing false alarms
Hazard Alert #8
False fire alarms cost time, money and resources.
Cost to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)
- Manpower
- Time wasted
- Taking effort away from real fires
Cost to you
- Disruption due to evacuation
- The bill or part off for the false alarm fire service call out (up to $5000 per call out)
Remember
Your fire alarm can be set off by:
- Overheated cooking oil
- Overcooked food e.g. burnt toast
- Steam from cooking and showers
- Hairspray and aerosols
- Hair dryers
- Cigarette smoke
- Candles and incense
Tips
The cause of many false alarms are preventable. It is important to:
- Do not leave your cooking unattended and only cook in areas that have designated kitchen facilities
- Do NOT open doors to let steam, smoke or cooking fumes into the corridor. Open windows instead
- Always use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Do not use hairsprays, aerosols or hair dryers in bedrooms. Only use in bathrooms
- Smoking, lighting candles or incense is strictly prohibited in residences
Document owner: MRS Safety officer
Document date: 3 January 2023
Date of review: 3 January 2026