Penrith firefighters are stepping up their campaign to get residents to check their smoke detectors once a week –and to have detectors fitted if they do not already have them.
Members of the media are invited to the home of Penrith resident Anne Addis at 2:30pm on Friday 28 March where firefighters will be demonstrating how domestic smoke detectors should be checked and maintained.
Joining them to lend support to the campaign will be Penrith and The Border MP David Maclean - one of several Cumbrian MPs supporting the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service campaign.
Research shows that three-quarters of Cumbrian householders could be putting their lives at risk by failing to check their smoke detectors regularly.
People without a working smoke detector are twice as likely to die in a fire. The main problems when detectors fail to go off are missing or flat batteries.
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, firefighters in Cumbria have carried out more than 40,000 visits, designed to make sure people have working smoke detectors and to give basic fire prevention advice.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member responsible for Community Development and Safety, said: "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.
"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."
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 your 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 normal 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 that 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