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80 per cent of those with an alarm do not test it often enough...

DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has warned residents to: ‘PULL THEIR FINGERS OUT’ as a new survey reveals people are putting their lives at risk by not having a working smoke alarm.

This stark message is being delivered as part of the new government campaign entitled ‘Pull Your Finger Out’ which urges people to check their smoke alarms.  The hard hitting campaign is due to start today – 15 January.

According to the results of a new survey from the Fire Kills campaign team,  95 per cent of East Midland’s households polled have a smoke alarm, however,  80 per cent of those with an alarm do not test it 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 2,823 accidental house fires in the East Midlands each year, which injure 588 people and which kill 22. These figures show that if you don’t own a working smoke alarm you are twice as likely to die in a fire. That is why Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting CLG’s Fire Kills Campaign: ‘Pull your finger out’.

David Hutchinson, Group Manager for Chesterfield’s Community Safety Team, said: “Despite the fact that a high number of people own smoke alarms, a disturbing number do not maintain their alarms on a weekly basis.  The message is simple – smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! We are urging all residents to pull their fingers out and test their smoke alarms – this simple action could save the lives of their loved ones.”

A new wave of TV advertising is accompanying the campaign. 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 seems to be the main reason for people not testing their smoke alarms, with 64 per cent of those asked attributing their lack of action to forgetfulness, being too busy or just simply not being bothered to do something that only takes a few seconds, but could potentially save lives.

Ensuring you stay safe from fire is quick and simple. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has provided five essential fire safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family and your home from fire:

• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your 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.
• Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ask the experts. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service offer free home fire safety  checks to help identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. To find out more, contact 01332 771221 or visit www.Fire.gov.uk

Tags: Fire Safety, Swadlincote