Don't drown in toxic smoke
Check your smoke alarm once a week
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a national Fire Kills campaign from the Department of Communities and Local Government entitled Don't Drown In Toxic Smoke.
Nine out of 10 households across the country now own a smoke alarm according to the most recent English Housing Survey - up from 74 per cent in 2001.
However, CFRS is reminding us all that a smoke alarm is only worth having if it works.
Andy Tucker, Risk Manager for CFRS said: "One in four of smoke alarms fail in a house fire either because it is clogged, broken, or most often because the battery is flat or has been removed."
The `Don't Drown in Toxic Smoke' campaign encourages everyone to make sure that they test their smoke alarms every week as you are more than twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.
CFRS is also asking the local community and businesses to help them spread the word for fire safety, asking for innovative new ideas, from working in partnership to songs and stunts, to help get that message across.
Andy Tucker said: "We know that our local community and businesses have a wealth of fresh ideas, and we want them to join us in spreading the fire safety message.
"The fact is that toxic smoke from a fire will affect your ability to breathe in a similar way to drowning - after just two to three breaths you're unconscious. The best way to buy the precious seconds to escape is by having a working smoking alarm. Owning an alarm and hoping that it works is not enough to protect your home and loved ones."
There are five key things that you can do to protect your home and family from fire:
1. Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, there is little time to escape so an early warning is vital. Battery operated smoke alarm units should be replaced after 10 years. Or consider installing a mains powered alarm.
2. Test alarms weekly - a smoke alarm can buy valuable time, if it's working.
3. 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.
4. 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. And never leave cooking unattended.
5. Ask the experts. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service can advise on potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. To speak to firefighters, contact your local fire station. A FREE home fire safety check may be available to you. Requests are prioritised according to individual risk.
If a fire does break out in the home, then Get out, Stay out and Call 999.
