RESIDENTS and businesses across Warwickshire are being urged to test their smoke alarms.
The call to action comes from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of the Fire Kills campaign.
Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. While most homes now have alarms fitted, many people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years before it needs replacing.
WFRS is asking people to make sure that their alarms are up to date and up to the job.
WFRS spokesperson Moreno Francioso said: “Smoke alarms can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget – they don’t know if it might be coming to the end of its lifespan or not working at all.
“You should have at least one smoke alarm fitted on each floor of your house, ideally on the ceilings of hallways and landings. Regardless of how many smoke alarms you have, you should be testing them all regularly. It is national guidance to test your smoke alarms monthly, but in Warwickshire we want to be extra safe and test our smoke alarms weekly. To help you remember, you could test your smoke alarms on bin collection day each week.
“The fire service fit smoke alarms for some of our most vulnerable residents through Safe and Well checks. If you or someone you know could benefit from a Safe and Well visit do get in touch – they’re free of charge and will make sure that preventable measures are put in place to reduce the chances of a fatal fire.”
Anyone can apply for a free Safe and Well visit from WFRS. During the visit WFRS will provide fire safety advice, check that smoke alarms are working and replace/install new ones if needed.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home/apply-safe-well-visit for more details.
