As daylight saving time ends in Coffs Harbour, local fire authorities are urging residents to use the clock change as a prompt to test their home smoke alarms. Clocks officially moved back one hour from 3:00am to 2:00am on Sunday, 5 April 2026, marking the transition to standard time.
The Moonee Beach Rural Fire Brigade, which operates as part of the NSW Rural Fire Service, is reminding community members that taking a few minutes to check safety equipment can provide vital protection for families. This annual initiative, often referred to as “Change your clocks, change your battery,” is supported by both the state’s rural service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Fire safety officials recommend that smoke alarms be tested every month. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and the entire alarm unit should be swapped for a new one every 10 years to account for age, dust, and humidity, which can impact performance.
While the official bush fire danger period concluded on 31 March 2026, the local area remains under a moderate fire danger rating through 8 April 2026. According to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, eastern New South Wales faces a heightened risk of fire this autumn due to long-term dryness and low soil moisture levels. Residents in nearby inland areas should remain particularly alert, as high fire danger ratings are forecast for the Northern Slopes and North Western regions between 7 April and 8 April 2026.
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