Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 16/01/2008 12:16

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is calling on members of the public to 'Pull Your Finger Out' and check their smoke alarm as part of a new Government campaign launched this week.

A new survey carried out for the Fire Kills campaign and shows that while 85% of the South West households polled have a smoke alarm , 87% of them do not test their alarm often enough, risking the safety of their homes and loved ones.

Latest statistics from Communities and Local Government (CLG) show that, on average, there are 374 accidental house fires in Cornwall each year.* Research shows that If you don't own a working smoke alarm you are twice as likely to die in a fire. This is why Cornwall County Fire Brigade is supporting CLG's Fire Kills Campaign: 'Pull your finger out'.

Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden says: "Despite the fact a high number of people in Cornwall own a smoke alarm, a disturbing number do not test their alarms on a weekly basis.”

"The message is simple - smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! We're urging all residents to pull their fingers out and test their smoke alarms - this simple action could save their lives”.

The campaign also has the full backing of County Councillor Ken Yeo,
( Lib Dem), the Executive Member for Public Protection, who said “A working smoke alarm enables people to get out of buildings in the event of a fire and is the most vital piece of equipment in any Cornish home, particularly in an area with so many older buildings and the remoteness of some properties.”

The national campaign will be accompanied by a new wave of TV advertising. Fronted by Julie Walters, the advert highlights the devastating and potentially fatal consequences of not testing your alarm often enough. Running from January 15 to March 9, the advert shows the aftermath of a fire in the home with a burnt out kitchen providing the backdrop to the scene.

Apathy appears to be the main reason that people from Cornwall do not test their smoke alarms, with 55% of people attributing forgetfulness, being too busy or just simply 'can't be bothered' to do an action that only takes a few seconds, but could potentially save their lives.

Ensuring you stay safe from fire is quick and simple. Cornwall County Fire Brigade is recommending five essential fire safety tips to help people protect themselves, their families and their homes from fire :
1. Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital. Make sure you replace battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.
2. Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.
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 usual one is blocked.
4. Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Also, never leave cooking unattended.
5. Ask the experts. Cornwall County Fire Brigade offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them.

To find out more, call the 24 hour freephone telephone on: 0800 3581 999 or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire
For more information visit www.firekills.gov.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

The statistics used are from a survey conducted via TNS Omnibus on behalf of the Fire Kills campaign amongst a nationally representative sample (1747) of adults aged 16+ in England, from November 2nd-6th, 2007.

* Communities and Local Government Fire Statistics 1996-2006

Further information is available from Trisha Hewitt, Communications Officer, on 01872 322186.