Local residents are being encouraged to take advantage of Council’s Fire Safe Program.

City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor, Khal Asfour, said the free program, delivered in partnership with Fire and Rescue NSW, is designed for Canterbury-Bankstown residents, aged 65 years and over, or living with a disability. Officers from local fire stations visit residents at an arranged time, to install a 10-year battery-operated smoke alarm, or replace existing smoke alarm batteries.

"A working smoke alarm could mean the difference between life and death," Mayor Asfour said.

"For 12 years now, it has been the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.

"The cooler months see a 10 per cent increase in the number of home fires, so it’s as important as ever to make sure your home and family are safe.

"I know, with three young children, how easy it is for things to go wrong – toys left too close to the heater, cooking dinner while distracted and even accidentally leaving an appliance on. I want to know my family has the best chance of getting out quickly if a fire does break out."

Fire and Rescue NSW Bankstown Station Commander, Chris Andrews, echoed Mayor Asfour’s warning.

"The message is a simple one – a working smoke alarm is the cheapest life insurance you’ll ever find!" Commander Andrews said.

"And, while you’re twice as likely to survive a house fire with a working smoke alarm, the best solution is prevention.

"Make sure you don’t overload your powerboards; roll your electric blanket to avoid bending the wires; and turn all your pot and pan handles inwards, so they can't be knocked over by kids."

Hurlstone Park resident, June Warren, recently took advantage of the program and urged others to do the same.

"They completely replaced three of my five alarms, which were old and no longer working," Mrs Warren said.

"I live on my own and would normally have to wait on my son-in-law to help out, which is hard because he doesn’t live close by.

"The service was easy, very convenient and beyond amazing. It’s so important to make sure everything is in working order, so why not have the professionals help out?"

To find out more about the Fire Safe Program, as well as tips on how to prevent fires in your home, visit cb.city/firesafety