Home Safety Week will run from 28th September to 4th October 2020 and the NFCC are encouraging people to be alert to alarms for a safer home.
The week encourages people to assess the needs of their homes and ensure they have adequate alarms for their needs. For those most vulnerable groups, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service can assist with specific advice for the individual and, if required, fit smoke detection and/or CO detection too. Alarms save lives and in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident they can provide precious time to escape.
In 20% of accidental dwelling fires in the UK smoke alarms fail to activate. The most common reason was because the fire was outside the alarm's range. So, we ask householders to install alarms to ensure the whole home is covered. Smoke alarms should be installed in the rooms used most, this is where a fire is most likely to start.
Only around 15% of households have CO alarms. CO is a highly poisonous gas, which you cannot see, taste or smell. NFCC recommend that any room with a fuel burning appliance such as an open fire, wood burning stove or gas appliance such as a boiler or cooker should also have a working CO alarm fitted.
- Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and also in the rooms you use most
- Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all rooms where they is fuel burning appliance
- Test all alarms regularly to make sure they work
- Ensure all appliances are installed and maintained correctly by registered and suitably qualified tradespeople
- Alarms don't last forever, replace them at least every 10 years
- If you can, interlink alarms
If people need specific advice for their household or another family member please contact Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01743 260200 and ask to speak to the Prevention Team.
