Smoke alarms will save lives this Christmas!
Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are reminding residents that a smoke alarm is only worth having if it works!
Nine out of ten households across the country now own a smoke alarm according to the most recent English Housing Survey - up from 74% in 2001. However, one in four of smoke alarms fail in a house fire either because it is clogged, broken, or most often because the battery is flat or has been removed.
To remind residents about the dangers of having a fire in your home over the festive period, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the national ‘Fire Kills’ campaign - ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic Smoke’.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage residents to test their smoke alarms every week, highlighting the fact that you are more than twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.
Area Risk Manager, Paul Bagnall said: “Ensuring that you have a working smoke alarm in your home should be a priority this Christmas. The fact is that toxic smoke from a fire will affect your ability to breathe in a similar way to drowning – after just two to three breaths you’re unconscious. The best way to buy the precious seconds to escape is by having a working smoking alarm!
“Owning an alarm and hoping that it works is not enough to protect your home and loved ones. So please take the time to ensure that you test your smoke alarm this Christmas. If you don’t have a smoke alarm in your home, then call us on 01926 466282 to apply for a free home fire safety check.”
Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year and we don’t want to see anyone’s Christmas ruined by having a fire in the home. House fires can begin in a range of ways, but they do not have to be fatal. Planning and preparing for the unexpected is key. By taking a few simple steps this Christmas, fire risks can be greatly reduced, ensuring that you stay safe over the festive period.”
Guidelines to a safer Christmas:
* Check that the smoke alarms in your home are working, check them on a weekly basis and do not be tempted to remove batteries to power any Christmas presents
* Don’t leave candles unattended or on flammable surfaces
* Don’t be distracted when cooking, fire starts when your attention stops
* Make your plan. Get out alive – plan your escape route for the event of fire and ensure all your guests know where the door and window keys are kept
* Don’t leave fairy lights switched on when you go out or to bed
* Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics
* Keep Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, open fires and heaters
* Take extra care after drinking alcohol
For more information on how to stay safe or to apply for a free home fire safety check log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue.