As we “spring forward” on Sunday, 28 September 2025, it’s not just your clocks that need adjusting, your fire safety systems do too
Fireco recommends using the start of Daylight Savings as a reminder to check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other critical safety equipment, ensuring your home or business stays safe all year round.
Here’s how to conduct your own fire safety review this Daylight Savings weekend.
Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
Daylight Savings is the perfect reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. Even if your alarms are hardwired, backup batteries are often essential for protection during a power outage. Be sure to test each alarm after changing the battery, to check it’s working properly.
Upgrade to Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Models
If your smoke alarms are older than 10 years or still use ionisation technology (most traditional smoke alarms do), then it’s time to upgrade to photoelectric models. These newer alarms are much more effective than traditional models, and far better at detecting slow-burning smouldering fires, which are most common in homes. Find out more about photoelectric alarms here.
Check Fire Extinguishers and Fire Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguishers need to be fully “charged” (with dial’s needle in green zone), services, and ready for use. Fireco can assist with annual servicing and maintenance to keep extinguishers ready for emergencies.
- Fire blankets should be in easily accessible locations, typically near kitchens for fires caused by cooking.
- Emergency signs and lighting needs to be checked in businesses, to confirm your exits are easily spotted in an emergency.
Review Your Fire Safety Plan
Daylight Savings is also a good opportunity to review your fire safety procedures:
- Make sure everyone in your home or workplace knows evacuation routes.
- Check that fire doors, alarms, and escape routes are clear and unobstructed.
- Replace or repair any damaged fire safety signage.
Spring Clean for Fire Safety
While you’re “Springing Forward” over Daylight Savings weekend, don’t forget to spring clean any areas that can easily cause fires. Grease and food residue on stove tops, ovens and rangehoods can ignite if left unchecked. Barbeques and outdoor cooking equipment should also be cleaned and checked for leaks or damage before summer use. Another hotspot is your dryer vents, which can quickly build up lint left unchecked.
A thorough clean can keep these areas hygienic but also reduces the risk of preventable fires, keeping your home and family safe.
Why Fireco Recommends Regular Fire Safety Checks
Regular maintenance of fire safety systems protects lives and property, and using Daylight Savings as a reminder means that your alarms, extinguishers, and emergency equipment are always ready in an emergency.
How Fireco Can Help
Fireco provides comprehensive fire safety services across Auckland and Northland, including:
- Smoke alarm upgrades
- Fire extinguisher servicing and replacement
- Advice on compliance and fire safety best practices
Use the start of Daylight Savings as a simple but vital safety check. Contact Fireco today to make sure your home or business is fully protected this spring.
