Date: 13th August, 2019
Statistics show that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.
Most people know that working smoke alarms save lives. They provide the vital early warning that allows for a safe escape a tragedy avoided. But, despite the majority of homes (95 per cent) having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just one in every three fires in the home in England. The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.
For this reason, the Fire Kills campaign and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people to have a think about the smoke alarms in their home.
“We all must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places,” said Vikki Thomas, Safe and Well Manager from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. “If your whole home isn’t covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need.
“The vast majority of us now have at least one working smoke alarm in our home, but early detection and warning is vital to reduce the devastation a fire can cause. That’s why it’s so important that you have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right places. That will give them the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire.”
She added: “You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. And placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.
“It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So, whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms regularly. They can only do their job if they’re in good working order.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offered these five smoke alarm top tips:
- A single smoke alarm is not enough – install at least one 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 additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas
- Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
- Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are also urging carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offer free safe and well advice to local residents, and those who qualify can receive a home visit from a safe and well advisor, which can include fitting smoke alarms where appropriate. To apply call 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits