A quick “Spring clean” now could save your life say fire safety experts.
As part of a fire safety campaign, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service is advising householders to clear any clutter that may be blocking escape routes and to make sure their family, guests and loved ones know how to get out in the event of a fire.
Working smoke alarms are regularly life-savers by giving people the warning they need to get out of their home. But blocked exits, locked doors or unfamiliar surroundings can add vital seconds to the time it takes to escape from a burning building.
A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “We regularly promote the importance of testing smoke alarms regularly but this latest campaign focuses on escape and the need for people to have a clear picture of how they would get out of their home if fire broke out. These tips will help:
- Think about how you’d all get out in case of a fire. Make an escape plan and practice it.Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home so smoke can reach the alarms quicker giving you more warning time.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly. Smoke alarms can save your life, but only if they work.
- Clear your escape routes. Make sure they are clear and uncluttered
- Keep door and window keys in a known and accessible place and make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept.
- Think about how children or elderly family members would escape. Plan a route that works for them.
“Every second counts when escaping a fire. Having a clear escape plan that all the family knows about and making sure smoke alarms are working properly could make all the difference in an emergency,” the spokesperson added.
