Checktember
The month that could save your life
Every September is National Fire Protection Month, and the perfect time to check your smoke alarms. Outdated laws and outdated alarms are putting Australians at risk. Checktember is here to change that with a simple checklist to help ensure your home is protected and your loved ones are as safe from fire as possible.
The alarming truth
Too many Australians still rely on old, ineffective smoke alarms that don’t wake people when it matters most. Research shows traditional alarms:
- Failed to wake 77% of children
- Failed to wake 56% of people with hearing loss
- Failed to wake 62% of young adults after just two drinks
That’s why it’s vital to make sure your alarms are up to date, interconnected, and compliant.
Your Checktember checklist
This September, take five minutes to protect your family.
✅ Check you have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom
✅ Check the label – alarms should be AS3786-2014 compliant
✅ Check your smoke alarms are interconnected – when one sounds, they all sound
✅ Test your smoke alarms to make sure they’re working
✅ Upgrade if needed – don’t rely on outdated alarms that might not wake you
Why every bedroom counts
In Queensland, it’s now law that every bedroom must have a smoke alarm, and for all alarms to be interconnected. This means if one goes off, they all go off, giving families the earliest possible warning.
But all other states and territories still rely on outdated regulations that leave families at risk.
That’s why this Checktember, we’re calling on all states and territories to follow Queensland’s lead and adopt stronger smoke alarm standards nationwide.
Real stories, real impact
“If the smoke alarm hadn’t gone off, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s why I want everyone to take Checktember seriously. I’m also calling on every state and territory to follow Queensland’s lead with stronger smoke alarm laws, so all Australians can have the same protection.” – Mike Goldman, Checktember Ambassador
The future of fire safety
This year, Checktember also marks the launch of the Watch Genius Smoke Alarm, the first 520Hz alarm available for Australian homes. Backed by decades of research, it’s proven to be up to 10 times more effective at waking children and significantly better for older adults and people with hearing loss.
With Genius, families get the earliest warning possible – and the best chance to escape safely.
Protect your home. Protect your family.
Don’t wait for tomorrow – Checktember is now.
