Fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.
Most people know that working smoke alarms save lives. They provide the vital early warning that allows for a safe escape and a tragedy avoided.
But, despite the majority of homes (89%) having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just under half of fires in the home in England. The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.
For this reason, the Fire Kills campaign and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are encouraging people to think about the smoke alarms in their home.
Five smoke alarm top tips:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.
- Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas
- Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
- Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
The Service is also urging carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too.
