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Smoke Alarm CampaignSmoke Alarm Campaign August - September 2006
Households in North Yorkshire are being warned that without a working smoke alarm, you are four times more likely to have a fire requiring the attendance of the Fire and Rescue Service and are twice as likely to die in a fire. This figure comes from the latest statistics collected by the Service, indicating that a significant number of households in North Yorkshire do not have working Smoke Alarms. In over 46% of house fires attended by the Service, Smoke Alarms were not fitted.
A national campaign, highlighting the lack of functioning Smoke Alarms is launched on the 28th August and will run throughout September. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the campaign and are urging households to ensure Smoke Alarms are fitted and work correctly.
Station Manager Carl Boasman says "The number of homes fitted with Smoke Alarms is increasing thanks to public awareness and the work of Fire and Rescue Service Staff. The latest figures show that in over 46% of property fires we attend, Smoke Alarms are not fitted. We are advising households to fit a smoke alarm before it's too late." He continues "Smoke Alarms are widely available in a variety of shops for as little as a few pounds. We are urging people to compare the cost of fitting a Smoke Alarm to that of losing a life in a fire. Spending a few pounds to protect your home and family becomes a wise investment."
The Fire and Rescue Service are offering every household in North Yorkshire the chance to have a free Home Fire Safety Check. Fire and Rescue Staff will visit your home to look for any hazards and give advice on Fire Safety. During this visit, Staff can fit Smoke Alarms or give advice on the most suitable place to put them. To book your visit call the Fire Safety Hotline on 01609 788545 or book online at www.northyorksfire.gov.uk
As the colder weather approaches, the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning from faulty heating appliances increases. On average fifty people die each year from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, many more are thought to suffer symptoms and not even realise. Fire and Rescue Staff can also fit Carbon Monoxide Detectors as part of the Home Fire Safety Check.
Station Manager Carl Boasman continues "Our aim is to reduce the number of fire casualties as far as possible. Fitting a Smoke Alarm is a proven life saver that no home can be without. Statistics show that in one in every eight house fires attended by Fire and Rescue Services, the Smoke Alarm failed to work. This is largely due to flat or missing batteries. We are reminding households to make sure Smoke Alarms are fitted and working. This means checking the alarm weekly by pressing the test button. He finishes by saying "Smoke Alarms provide vital early warning signs when fire breaks out, which is often during the night. Don't put yourselves or your family at risk for the sake of a battery."
Six Essential Smoke Alarm Tips -
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In an emergency dial 999
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