Advanced Technology Suggestions
Smoke detectors – all new premises in Australia are required by legislation introduced in 1995 to install at least one smoke alarm wired to the mains electricity on each level of the building. Most states have also introduced legislation which requires at least one working smoke alarm installed on each level of a dwelling. This includes owner occupied, rental properties, relocatable homes or any other residential building where people sleep. Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that provide benefits for occupants and are required to meet Australia Standards.
There are a number of different types of smoke detectors available:
- Battery operated (easily installed using a screwdriver);
- Wireless Smoke Detectors use a base unit linked to a telephone in the home. They are designed to alert the resident and a call centre if smoke is detected;
- Hard wired models must be installed by a qualified electrician. They contain battery back-up for situations where there is a power failure. Some have a number of alarms interconnected so that if one alarm is set off, all alarms will be activated.
- Smoke detectors for the hearing impaired – provide flashing strobe lights and a vibrating alert placed under the pillow to alert the user.
Further information on smoke detectors can be obtained from the Fire Brigade, specialist Fire Safety organisations or the Fire Protection Association Australia on 1300 731 922.
Personal Emergency Response Alarms (PERS) – a personal emergency response alarm can be worn as a pendant around the neck, or similar to a wrist watch on the wrist. If the person needs assistance, they press a button on their pendant which activates a speaker unit to dial a 24 hour support call centre. This system is useful for the early stages of dementia, where the wearer is able to recognise their need for help and activate the system.