A timely reminder to check your smoke alarm

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Thursday, 26 March 2015 09:42



When the clocks change on Sunday please remember to test your smoke alarm.

That’s the message from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) as it supports a national campaign to encourage people to check that their detectors would operate in an emergency.

Group Manager, Matt Peskett said: “Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working. When people are changing their clocks on Sunday we’re asking them to take an extra few minutes to test their smoke alarms at the same time.

“We’re also particularly asking people to think about friends or family who may not be in a position to check their own alarms, and to test them for them. It might be that you have an older family member or friend, but just five minutes spent testing their alarms could literally save their life in a fire.”

In the UK householders are more than four times more likely to die in a fire if smoke alarms aren’t working.

To promote the campaign AF&RS firefighters will be at two Asda superstores in Bristol this weekend.

On Saturday 28 March crews from Bedminster Fire Station will be at Asda on East Street between 2pm and 4pm. Then on Sunday 29 March firefighters from Avonmouth Fire Station will be at Asda in Patchway between 2pm and 4pm.

AF&RS is also promoting the campaign through its Twitter and Facebook account under the slogan #TickTockTest

 

 

There is more advice on Home Fire Safety Visits by clicking here. Through the free service firefighters will come to people’s homes to provide practical fire safety advice and fit smoke alarms if required.

For more information call Avon Fire & Rescue Service on 0117 926 2061.

You can help keep yourself and loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps:

 

  • Make sure you fit a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them regularly.
  • Make testing your smoke alarm part of your weekly household routine. Check the alarm by pressing the button.
  • Never remove the battery from your alarm.
  • Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire and practise your escape route.
  • If you have a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
  • For more information click here