Test Your Smoke Alarm to Save Lives (South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats <info@henleylibdems.org.uk>

Test Your Smoke Alarm to Save Lives

March 1, 2008 12:00 AM

Fire Services throughout Oxfordshire are urging everyone to "pull their fingers out" and test their smoke alarms. According to new survey results, 94 per cent of Oxfordshire's households have a smoke alarm, however, 83 per cent do not test their alarm often enough, risking the safety of homes and loved ones.

Latest statistics from show that on average, there are 394 accidental house fires in Oxfordshire each year, injuring 95 and killing 4 people. If you don't own a working smoke alarm you are twice as likely to die in a fire.

Apathy seems to be the main reason that people from Oxfordshire do not test their smoke alarms, with many people attributing forgetfulness, being too busy or just simply can't be bothered to do an action that only takes a few seconds, but could potentially save their lives.

Ensuring you stay safe from fire is quick and simple. Here are five essential fire safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family and your home from fire:

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 battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively, consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.

Step 2 - Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.

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 4 - 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. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them.

To find out more, contact the Risk Reduction Team on 08000 325 999 or visit www.fire.gov.uk