Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 22/02/2008 14:05

February 2008 is a Leap Year – which means the nation has the luxury of an extra 24 hours. Whilst some fearless females might seize the opportunity to ask their beau to tie the knot, the rest of us could end up spending the 29th much like any other day. However Cornwall Fire Brigade is urging people to take just five of these extra minutes to do something worthwhile instead which could save their lives – pull your finger out and check your smoke alarm.

According to recent survey results 85 % of households polled in the South West have a smoke alarm, however 87% of those do not test their alarm often enough, risking the safety of homes and loved ones. With reasons given for not testing alarms enough including ‘not remembering’ (24%) and ‘can’t be bothered’ (4%), February 29th is the perfect opportunity to see how quick and easy it is to take a few minutes to test your smoke alarm every week. (*1)

Those who don’t regularly check their smoke alarms are putting their own lives, and the lives of loved ones, at serious risk. The fact is that if you don’t have a working smoke alarm you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire. (*2)

This hard hitting message can currently be seen in the Fire Kills ‘Pull Your Finger Out’ advertising campaign, fronted by Julie Walters, which highlights the devastating and potentially fatal consequences of not testing your alarm often enough. Currently running in England until early March, the advert shows the horrific aftermath of a fire in the home with a burnt out kitchen providing the backdrop to the scene.
Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden said “At a time when New Year’s resolutions might be starting to slip, February 29th is the perfect opportunity to get into good habits and start testing your smoke alarm every week.”

“Injury and death caused by accidental house fires can be devastating. I would urge people to take immediate action by obtaining a smoke alarm and checking it regularly – these simple steps could save lives”.

Cornwall Fire Brigade is urging members of the people to use February 29th to keep their homes fire safe, and keep it that way, with the Fire Kills campaign 5-step plan:
• Step 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 the battery every year. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.
• Step 2 - Test it weekly and spring clean your smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999. It’s also important to clean any dust off the sensor every six months.
• Step 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.
• Step 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.
• Step 5 – Ask the experts. Cornwall County Fire Brigade offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. Freephone 0800 3581 999 to ask for a visit. You can also find out more or book online at www.fire.gov.uk or visit the related link below.

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.”

Further information about fire safety can also be found at www.firekills.gov.uk

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

*1 – Source of statistics: CLG Fire statistics, 2005.
*2 – 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM TRISHA HEWITT, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, ON 01872 322186

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=723