Spring highlights safety message
Change your clocks and check your smoke alarms – that’s the message coming from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service this week as we prepare for the beginning of spring.
County Fire Officer, William Brown said: “When you move your clock forward this week, please remember to check that small item in your home, which could save you or your family’s lives - your smoke alarm!"
“Smoke alarms have been responsible for detecting many of the 60,000 house fires the Fire and Rescue Service are called to each year … but many of the hundreds of deaths that occur each year could be avoided if smoke alarms had been checked and working.
“Recently there has been a 30% increase in cases where a smoke alarm didn’t work because the battery was disconnected, missing or needed replacing.
“Smoke alarms are inexpensive, from less than £5, and available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets. Always make sure that they meet the BS5446 Part 1, have a ‘KITEMARK’ and that they are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided.
For longer term protection and peace of mind, it’s a good idea to fit 10-year smoke alarms.
How Do I Look After My Smoke Alarm?
1. Once a year – Change your battery (unless it’s a 10-year alarm).
2. Once a week – Check the alarm by pressing the button.
3. Twice a year – Vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber. (For mains wired alarms, switch off first.)
Whatever happens – never remove the battery to use it for other purposes.
In closing William Brown said: “We know that smoke alarms save lives. They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly. Once fitted they do require testing and some simple cleaning. The one sombre message I would leave you with is dead batteries can be replaced, dead families cannot.”