Residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being reminded to fit and regularly test smoke alarms to help prevent accidental dwelling fires.
Despite decades of fire safety education highlighting their importance, a recent report by the Local Government Association (LGA) estimates more than 2 million homes in England do not have a working smoke alarm.
The warning has been issued during National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Home Safety Week (28 September- 4 October) as part of Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service’s home fire safety advice.
NFCC Home Safety Week is held every Autumn and this year the focus of the campaign is around installing alarms and improving standards of detection in the home, to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities.
Group Manager for Community Safety at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, John Amos said:
“We cannot stress enough how vital having adequate smoke detection in the home is and the difference it can make if a fire occurs.
Smoke alarms provide an early warning of incidents and provide precious time to escape. Adequate working smoke detection should be fitted on every level of your home and in the rooms used most often, as this is where a fire is most likely to start.
Regular testing is essential – check all alarms ideally once a week but at least once a month. Batteries should also be changed regularly.”
The Fire Service also offers Safe and Well visits for those who need extra support with checking/installing smoke detection. Find out more about Safe and Well