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Make a New Year's resolution to test
your smoke alarms - every month
WITH the New Year underway, Merseyside
Fire and Rescue Service is asking residents to make testing their smoke alarms
monthly 1 of their New Year's resolutions. Why not circle the first of every
month on your new calendar and tick it off after testing your alarms?
Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and safety should
be top of the list. Making sure there are enough smoke alarms in the home and
that they work takes just a few seconds; and could saves lives.
A smoke alarm going off can give someone the extra time they need to escape in a
fire. While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted,
most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of 10 years
before it needs replacing.
For people who live in larger properties, a single smoke alarm is not enough.
The recommendation is at least 1 on every level. Last year, in nearly ₤ of
all fires in the home where a smoke alarm did not give a warning, the reason was
that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat
batteries were another major cause.
To keep your alarms in working order:-
► Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
► Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month.
► Check that your smoke alarms are under 10 years old.
► Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Also consider
rooms which have electrical appliances; eg:- a heater or charger or other
fire risks.
► Take a moment to check on loved ones who may need help to ensure they're
protected too.
Mark Thomas, Prevention Group Manager for MFRS, said:- "At this time of
year, many people will take the opportunity to make a fresh start and think
about how they can improve their health and wellbeing and their homes.
Smoke alarms offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people
simply fit and forget so they won't know if an alarm might be coming to the end
of its lifespan or not working at all. We are asking people to make sure that
their alarms are up to date and up to the job.
If your alarm is getting past its best or your top floor is missing an alarm of
its own, make your New Year's resolution to fit new ones, test them on the 1st
of every month; and protect your loved ones in 2018."
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