Smoke Detectors Save Lives
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The recent house fires in Thetford have caused concern and raised residents’ awareness of keeping safe at home. Did you know that you are around eight times more likely to die in a house fire without a working smoke detector, that every 3 days across the UK someone dies from a fire in their home started by a cigarette, and 90 people die each year because their smoke detector wasn’t working? A smoke detector (aka smoke alarm) is a warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stages of fire in your home. It emits a piercing sound to alert you as soon as possible so that you have precious minutes to escape. Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service encourage everybody to fit them in their homes because they will alert you to the danger, alert neighbours and allow us to attend to you sooner rather than later. If you suspect or see fire in your home, we ask that you – GET OUT, STAY OUT and GET THE FIRE SERVICE OUT by dialling 999. How many smoke detectors do you need?
If your home is on one level (a flat or bungalow) you need to fit at least one smoke detector. Ideally you would want to place it near your main living room and bedroom. If your home has more than one floor you will need to fit one on each level, with a detector in the downstairs hallway and then on each landing. If you fit more than one alarm, they should be linked to one another, which means if one detects smoke they will all alert you. The best place to fit a smoke detector is on the ceiling and try to keep them at least 30cm (1ft) away from walls, lights, doors, heating or air vents. Please test them...
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Once fitted, please test them. Can you hear it loud and clear from each room in the house? Test it again with the doors closed, particularly from the bedroom where it would be more difficult to hear if you were asleep. Smoke detectors need to be regularly tested to ensure that they remain in good working order. We say ‘Test it Tuesday’ as it is easy to remember. Ideally you should test them at least once a month, using the test button on the alarm. Remember to change the battery once a year unless they have a 10-year battery. Keep them clean, don’t stick anything on them or paint over them. A gentle vacuuming around the casing will help to keep them dust free. Every 10 years you will need to replace the smoke detector with a new one. Perhaps change the battery on your birthday or at Christmas, keeping your family safe is the best gift of all.
A smoke alarm will give you vital minutes to escape from a fire and could save your life
Plan an escape route... Once you have fitted your smoke detectors, plan a safe escape route. Keep your chosen route clear as we want you to leave the house quickly and safely. Most house fires happen in the night, so consider keeping a phone in your bedroom and keep keys where you can find them. Consider closing your doors when you go to bed, this adds to your protection in the event of fire and practise your escape plan with all members of your household to make sure it works.
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Be aware of risks in the home…
We attend accidental fires in many homes due to careless smoking. It’s safest to smoke outside but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly. Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking on armchairs and sofas, especially if you are tired. A lit cigarette dropped onto a bed, chair, fabrics or combustible materials can quickly cause a serious fire. People react differently when accidental fires occur, this can be due to an individual’s mobility, age, and ability to react. Older people may find it more difficult to escape their home quickly due to poor health or reduced movement and younger people may be distracted by their technology, particularly mobile phones, gaming equipment and headphones. Wearing headphones can dramatically affect your ability to hear and therefore react to a smoke alarm sounding. Please consider your own personal risks within your home and visit our website to use the Home Fire Risk Self Checker. If you are over 65 or have a disability which could make it more difficult to react to a fire, you may be eligible for a free home fire safety visit to check your home for risks. Do you or someone you know need a little extra help? Please use the request form on our website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/ norfolk-fire-and-rescue-service/ or by email at: hq@fire.norfolk.gov.uk or phone 0800 9178137. Article by Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service
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