Smoke alarms raised the alarm in 17,900 dwelling fires in the year 2000.

A smoke alarm is a warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stages of a fire. They are cheap at less than £5 and available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets.

It's a good idea to buy a smoke alarm with a 'hush button', and then you can stop it if it goes off by mistake such as when someone burns the toast in the kitchen! Always make sure they are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided.

Remember one smoke alarm usually isn't enough. The more alarms you have around your home the safer you, and your family, will be.

Smoke alarms should be fitted on each floor level in your home.

All smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall or light.

Don't put a smoke alarm in the kitchen where it can be set off accidentally. Put it out in the hallway.