Don't leap (year!) into the fire
25/02/2008
February 2008 is a Leap Year – which means the nation has the luxury of an extra 24 hours. Whilst some fearless females might seize the opportunity to ask their beau to tie the knot, the rest of us could end up spending the 29th much like any other day.
However the Fire Kills campaign is urging you to take just five of these extra minutes to do something worthwhile instead which could save your life – pull your finger out and check your smoke alarm.
Although 80% of homes in England have a smoke alarm, recent survey results from the Fire Kills campaign and TNS2 show that an alarming four in five of those polled don’t follow advice to test their alarm every week. With reasons given for not testing alarms enough including ‘too busy’ (8%) and ‘can’t be bothered’ (7%), February 29th is the perfect opportunity to see how quick and easy it is to take a few minutes to test your smoke alarm every week.
Those who don’t regularly check their smoke alarms are putting their own lives, and the lives of loved ones, at serious risk. The fact is that if you don’t have a working smoke alarm you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire.
This hard hitting message can currently be seen in the Fire Kills ‘Pull Your Finger Out’ advertising campaign, fronted by Julie Walters, which highlights the devastating and potentially fatal consequences of not testing your alarm often enough. Currently running in England until early March, the advert shows the horrific aftermath of a fire in the home with a burnt out kitchen providing the backdrop to the scene.
Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser said: “At a time when New Year’s resolutions might be starting to slip, February 29th is the perfect opportunity to get into good habits and start testing your smoke alarm every week.”
“Injury and death caused by accidental house fires can be avoided, I would urge people to take immediate action by obtaining a smoke alarm and checking it regularly – these simple steps could save lives”.
Use February 29th to keep your home fire safe, and keep it that way, with the Fire Kills campaign 5-step plan:
Step 1 - Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital. Make sure you replace the battery every year. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.
Step 2 - Test it weekly and spring clean your smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999. It’s also important to clean any dust off the sensor every six months.
Step 3 - Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
Step – Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Also, never leave cooking unattended.
Step 5 – Ask the experts. Fire and Rescue Services in England offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. Find out more at the first link below.
Further information about fire safety can also be found at the second link below.