A New Years resolution that could save your life!
Now the New Year is upon us, the annual compulsion of making and breaking resolutions are well on their way. Research shows that the most popular choices are giving up smoking, losing weight and getting fitter.
There are however some choices which are not so hard to achieve, that will benefit individuals and families alike.
County Fire Officer, William Brown said:
“Each year hundreds of people die and many more injured in their homes during a fire. A simple New Year’s resolution such as checking your smoke regularly and planning an escape route, could do more than help you lose a few pounds, it could literally save your life!"
• Decide in advance your emergency escape plan and make sure that everyone in the family knows what the plan is. Practice using the escape routes, especially in the dark.
• Have an assembly point outside where everyone in the household knows to meet in the event of a fire.
• Fit smoke alarms, ideally one on each floor. Test them weekly.
• If you already have smoke alarms fitted, but they don’t work then replace the battery - it could save your life!
• Before going to bed, close all doors. This will stop a fire from spreading too rapidly and could give you extra time to make your escape.
• Make sure keys are readily available to unlock external doors.
• Make sure any alternative ways out that you have identified, are also able to be opened in an emergency.
• Get every one out, then telephone the fire and rescue service from outside.
“Our aim is to help create safer communities through prevention. There is more than one way to fight a fire and your resolution can help us succeed!”
For further information log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue or http://www.firekills.gov.uk