Three quarters of Cumbrian householders could be putting their lives at risk by failing to check their smoke detectors regularly.
The warning comes from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service in the wake of new research showing that 75 per cent of people in the North West are not testing their smoke detectors often enough.
Apathy seems to be the main culprit, with people attributing forgetfulness, being too busy or just ‘can’t be bothered’ as the main reasons for not checking their detectors on a regular basis.
Figures show that people without a working smoke detector are twice as likely to die in a fire, with missing or flat batteries the main problem in homes with detectors that fail to activate.
Cumbrian firefighters provide homes with free smoke detectors which come with sealed-in 10-year batteries as part of their free home safety visit service.
Since 2003, Cumbrian firefighters have carried out more than 30,000 of the visits which are designed to make sure people have working smoke detectors and basic fire prevention advice.
Over the same period, the number of people injured in accidental dwelling fires in the county has fallen by two thirds (65 per cent).
A new two-month national advertising campaign to get more people to check their smoke detectors, begins today (15 January).
Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison, said: "The message is simple: smoke detectors save lives but only if they work.
"People should be checking their detectors once a week - it takes less time than it does to make a cup of tea and can literally save lives.
"We know that missing or flat batteries are the cause of most smoke detectors failing to activate and this is something that can be a particular problem at this time of year when batteries may have been removed to use in Christmas presents.
"Two in every three people who die in fires do so before the Fire and Rescue Service is even called making it a priority for people to make sure they have that vital early warning in the form of a working smoke detector."
Helping to stay safe from fire is quick and simple. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service has provided five essential fire safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family and your home from fire:
Step 1 - Fit a smoke detector on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital.
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. Cumbrian firefighters and community safety officers can visit your home to check for any fire risks and install free working smoke detectors where required on each level of your home. Call 0800-358-4777 to request a visit.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
1. A survey conducted in the North West via TNS Omnibus on behalf of the Fire Kills campaign from 2-6 November 2007 showed that 75 per cent of households don't check their smoke detector each week.