Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 14/03/2

This is the message from Black Watch at Falmouth “With Spring upon us and the start of pleasant lighter nights, what better time than now to check that small item in your home, which could save you or your family's lives."

“Smoke alarms have been responsible for detecting many of the 60,000 house fires the Fire and Rescue Service are called to each year … but many of the hundreds of deaths that occur each year could be avoided if smoke alarms had been checked and working.

“Recently there has been a 30% increase in cases where a smoke alarm didn’t work because the battery was disconnected, missing or needed replacing.

“Smoke alarms are inexpensive, from less than £5, and available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets. Always make sure that they meet the BS5446 Part 1, have a 'KITEMARK' and that they are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided.

For longer term protection and peace of mind, it's a good idea to fit 10-year smoke alarms.

How Do I Look After My Smoke Alarm?

1. Once a year – Change your battery (unless it's a 10-year alarm).

2. Once a week – Check the alarm by pressing the button.
3. Twice a year – Vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber. (For mains wired alarms, switch off first.)

Whatever happens – never remove the battery to use it for other purposes.

In closing Sub Officer Pete Griffett said: “We know that smoke alarms save lives. They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly. Once fitted they do require testing and some simple cleaning. The one sombre message I would leave you with is dead batteries can be replaced, dead families cannot”.