South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
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Smoke alarms

South Yorkshire backing for national smoke alarm testing drive

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is urging residents to regularly test their smoke alarms and those of people they care for to prevent fire deaths, as a new look Fire Kills advertising campaign is being launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The Government Fire Kills advertising campaign will run for one month from January across radio, print, digital, outdoor and social media as there is an increase in fire-related emergencies and deaths over the winter months, compared to the rest of the year.

There were more than 160 deaths from accidental fires in the home last year. By simply testing smoke alarms, many more lives could be saved.

Ads will feature friendly smoke alarms, which will tell the public to make time for their home’s ‘unsung heroes’ by testing their alarms once a month.

A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. But just half of all householders who own a smoke alarm say that they test it’s working on a regular basis.

Our Head of Community Safety Trevor Bernard said:

“You’re four times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of the people who own an alarm say they take the time to check it regularly. “I’d encourage people in South Yorkshire to make sure you test your smoke alarms this month and get into the habit of testing them each month as they can save you and your family’s life.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue have recorded 10 fatal deaths from accidental and household fires over the last 12 months.

Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from fire by following these simple steps:

  • Make sure you fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.
  • Make testing your smoke alarm part of your household routine in 3 easy steps:
    1. Test it by pressing the button once a month
    2. Change the batteries once a year if your alarm has removable batteries
    3. Clean the alarms casing twice a year to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor
  • Whatever happens, never remove the batteries in your smoke alarms unless you are replacing it.
  • Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire and knows your escape route.
  • For more information visit the Fire Kills campaign’s Facebook page at facebook.com/firekills A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time should the worst happen to get out, stay out and call 999.

This content was last updated on January 12th, 2016