[S]moke alarms can be lifesavers, if they’re working. In fact, you are seven times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you don’t have any working smoke alarms.
If one starts bleeping in your home, chances are you would know about it and do something – turn the cooker off, open a window, check the toaster or, if there’s a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
But what would you do if you heard a neighbour’s alarm going off? It might be tempting to ignore the annoying noise or even grumble about it. But the Fire Kills campaign and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are calling upon us all not to ignore it, but to check it out. If there’s a fire, or if you’re not sure, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service. It could save a life.
Mark Ducie, Community Safety Manager, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “If you heard a smoke alarm in your own home, you wouldn’t ignore it, so we’re asking people to remain vigilant even when they’re out and about. If you hear a neighbour’s smoke alarm, check if there’s a fire. Perhaps ring the doorbell or see if there are any obvious signs that a fire may have started. Make sure you don’t put yourself in any danger.”
While we’re talking about smoke alarms, it is important that you make sure that you have at least one on every level in your home and that you test them monthly to ensure they are working. And make sure you know what to do if one goes off in your home – have an escape plan, make sure everyone in the home knows it and practise it.
For more information or to arrange a Safe and Well visit call Cumbria Fire and Rescue on 0800 3584777
