A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family valuable seconds that you will need to get out, stay out and call 999. Did you know you’re four times more likely to die in a fire if your smoke alarm is not working?
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is determined to prevent as many fire deaths as possible so the Fire Kills campaign - Tick, Tock, Test is a timely reminder to hopefully prompt you into action when changing all your timepieces throughout your home.
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working.
With 211 people dying in fires in the home last year in the England and over 70% not being alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm, it is essential that everyone test their smoke alarms regularly.
Mike Burroughs, Fire Investigation Officer said: “Tick, Tock, Test is straight talking, easy to remember and intrinsically links clock change weekend to testing your smoke alarm.
“Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking, but it’s not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order. Whether the battery is flat, has been used for a kid’s toy or the connection is loose, everyone should take the time to test.
Over half the people in England who died in home fires last year were 65 years old or above, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for older relatives who might find it hard to reach their alarms but are at greater risk.
“By pushing the ‘test’ button on every smoke alarm, you could save the lives of your nearest and dearest – children, parents and friends alike.”
Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps:
So this clock change weekend, remember – Tick, Tock, Test
