As part of a new Fire Kills campaign launched by Fire Minister Mike Penning, households are being asked to regularly test their smoke alarms to prevent fire deaths.
A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. But just half of all householders who own smoke alarms say that they test whether they are working on a regular basis.
The advertising campaign is running for one month across radio, print, digital, outdoor and social media to raise awareness during the winter months when there is an increase in fire-related emergencies and deaths. The campaign centres around the unsung heroes in the home – smoke alarms – and their cheeky faces [pictured] which could save lives.
There were 188 deaths from fires in the home last year. The Fire Kills campaign hopes that by encouraging people to test their smoke alarms, more deaths could be prevented.
Minister for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims, Mike Penning, said:
“With only half of people who own alarms testing them regularly, this campaign gives us a timely reminder to make sure our smoke alarms are working properly.
“Research shows you are four times more likely to die in a fire if you live in a home without working smoke alarms.
“I would encourage everyone to make sure you test your smoke alarms as soon as possible and get into the habit of testing them each month as they can save you and your family’s lives. Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps: ”
Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps:
• Make sure you fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.
• Make testing your smoke alarms part of your household routine in 3 easy steps:
1. Test them by pressing their buttons once a month
2. Change your battery once a year (if it has a one year battery)
3. Clean the alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor twice a year
• Whatever happens, never remove the battery in your smoke alarm unless you are replacing it.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire and knows your escape route.
• For more information visit the Fire Kills campaign’s Facebook page at facebook.com/firekills