Fire Safety

Always use a licenced security installer and ask about emergency situations when planning any security upgrades.

In high-risk environments you may need to talk with a suitably qualified Security Consultant, the Security Agents Institute can recommend providers with experience in Emergency Response.

1. WA Law requires smoke detectors in all residences that are wired into the mains electricity and have battery backup, even if these are also connected to a security system that is monitored off-site.
2. Every property should have an emergency plan and it is essential that this be documented and tested regularly.Ensure that everyone who will be sleeping in the house, especially children, knows what to do and where to go.
3. Include protocols for your security monitoring company in the plan and make sure they know what to do if they receive a fire alarm, e.g. a single smoke detector activates, phone the property, multiple detectors active call 000. Some alarm panels have the facility to have a separate ‘panic’ button for fire, and so using that to ‘confirm’ a fire to the alarm monitoring company may speed up response.
4. When considering home security ensure that you provide a means of escape. If you have deadlocks and security screens, consider leaving a key close to the door, as you may not have time to go find your keyring during a fire. The key should be out of sight, but easy to find, even when crawling to the door because of smoke.

Being fire safe while still making sure your home is secure may sometimes seem to be contradictory, but with careful planning it is possible to have a home that is both secure and safe.