New training strengthens home fire safety conversations

Smoke Alarm Installation Service Delivery (SAIS)

 

CFA’s Community Capability team has launched an updated Delivering the Smoke Alarm Installation Service eLearning module, strengthening the way CFA members support Victoria's most at-risk residents to stay safe from fire.

 

While smoke alarm installation remains at the heart of the service, the refreshed training places greater emphasis on meaningful conversations, personalised risk reduction and empowering residents with the knowledge they need to stay safe long after a visit has ended.

The Smoke Alarm Installation Service supports people who are unable to obtain, install or maintain smoke alarms themselves, helping higher-risk community members access potentially life-saving protection in their homes.

Between 2022 and 2025, CFA members installed more than 8,300 smoke alarms in homes across Victoria.

The updated learning experience equips CFA members with practical skills to:

• identify and manage risks during home visits
• install smoke alarms safely and in line with legal requirements
• educate residents about smoke alarm maintenance and testing
• deliver person-centred community engagement
• use digital tools to record and report installations more effectively.

South West Region Community Engagement Coordinator Michael Dillon said the revised module reflects the Community Capability team’s commitment to improve training and adapt community safety programs and services to meet the changing needs of Victorians.

"Installing a smoke alarm is important, but the real value of these visits is the opportunity to connect with residents, understand their circumstances and help them build their confidence around home fire safety," Michael said.

"This updated training gives our people the skills to do much more than install an alarm. It supports them to have meaningful conversations about fire safety, identify additional risks in the home and provide tailored advice that can help save lives."

The module also incorporates updated guidance on eligibility for the service, smoke alarm placement, new installation methods, safety procedures and recording, ensuring members are supported by a consistent, contemporary approach.

By strengthening both technical knowledge and community engagement skills, the training reinforces CFA's broader goal of helping communities prepare for fire.

For many residents, a smoke alarm installation visit may be their first direct interaction with CFA in their own home. Every visit is an opportunity to leave a household safer than when we arrived.

To access the course on the Learning Hub, undertake the following prerequisites:

• CFAPYPIND Child Safety: Playing Your Part
• CFACSEIND Communicating for Community Engagement

Before delivering the service, we also recommend doing the new Introduction to Community Engagement and Prevent Detect Escape - Home Fire Safety for people at higher risk modules to support your learning.

Delivering the Smoke Alarm Installation Service module is now available on the Learning Hub.

 

Submitted by	Steph de Bruin