Free smoke alarms for elderly Victorians

The Victorian government will give away free smoke alarms to elderly and low income Victorians this winter, as part of the Winter Fire Safety program, now in its second year as part of the Home Renovation Service.

In winter there is an increased fire risk due to the use of heaters and open fires. Winter Fire Safety is an important program to assists home owners live safely and independently in their own homes.

The Home Renovation Service provides free inspection reports, cost estimates, quotes assessment and, if necessary, access to a financial package to enable home modifications to be carried out.

Victorians qualify for a free smoke alarm and home inspection if they own a home or rent privately, hold a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Commonwealth Pensioners Card, are over sixty years of age, have a disability or are caring permanently for someone with a disability.

The Home Renovation Service helps more than 4,000 homeowners each year and last year the Winter Fire Safety program gave away 1,000 smoke alarms.

Interested people should contact Archicentre on (03) 9815.1900 or 1300 136 513.