Is your smoke alarm in the right place?
Does your smoke alarm protect you? Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service (GFRS) urges people in Gloucestershire to think about how many alarms they have and whether they are in the right place to save lives.
Statistics show that the biggest reason why a smoke alarm won't sound in a fire is because the smoke did not reach the alarm.
With 86% of the country owning a smoke alarm, it's clear that people know that a working smoke alarm can provide those vital few seconds to help escape a fire in the home.
However, last year, more than 3,000 fires in the home didn't activate the smoke alarm because the fire was outside its range, or the alarm wasn't in working order.
GFRS is supporting the Fire Kills campaign by encouraging local people to think about where their smoke alarm is placed and whether they need another in their home to ensure they have the time to get out, and call 999.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Geoff Sallis, said: "The vast majority of us now have at least one smoke alarm in our homes. However, early detection and warning is vital to seriously reduce the devastation a fire can cause."
"You should make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings.
"Placing smoke detectors in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need"
GFRS would like people to follow these top tips to ensure that they keep themselves, and other family members safe:
- Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.
- Consider fitting alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances.
- Don't put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
- Replace still working smoke alarms every ten years, or replace it as soon as it fails your regular testing.
GFRS also urges carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that their homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too.
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "It is really important that smoke alarms are in the right place to have the best chance of alerting us to a fire."
"also need to be tested regularly - a working alarm can give you and your loved ones the vital seconds needed to escape in a house fire."
ENDS
Notes to news editors:
For more information, visit Fire Kills on Facebook, www.facebook.com/firekills or www.glosfire.gov.uk
GFRS is able to fit free smoke alarms as part of its FireSAFE scheme in the homes of vulnerable people across the county.
To arrange a visit ring 0800 180 41 40 or fill in our online form.
Issued by: Hayley Vining, Gloucestershire County Council Media Team, 01452 425226, hayley.vining@gloucestershire.gov.uk
You can follow Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service on www.facebook.com/glosfire or www.twitter.com/glosfire You can also follow our Chief Fire Officer on www.twitter.com/glosfirechief
12th June 2012