By Ben Aulakh
The national “Fire Kills” campaign is teaming up with Northamptonshire Fire Service to urge people to make a potentially life-saving move when they change their clocks this weekend.
They are challenging people to take just a moment to test that their smoke alarms are working too.
Community protection officer Lisa Bryan said, “It’s easy to notice when a clock stops ticking, but it’s not so easy to be sure that a smoke alarm works.
“We’re all losing sleep at the start of British Summer Time, but testing your smoke alarm could save you from losing a lot more.”
“As you put your clocks forward around Sunday 25th March, take an extra moment to push the button – it could save lives.”
There were 381 accidental house fires in Northamptonshire between April 2010 and March 2011 which hese resulted in two deaths and 23 serious injuries.
The county’s fire and rescue service hopes to reduce other incidents by encouraging residents to add this simple smoke alarm check to the clock-change routine.
Lisa added, “You’re four times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of people who own one say they take the time to test it regularly.
“With this campaign we want alarm testing to become a vital part of the household routine.”
People in the county are being encouraged to keep their ears and eyes peeled out for radio and press adverts supporting the ‘Change your clocks, Test your smoke alarms’ message as part of the national Fire Kills campaign.
An online video has also been released showing a mantelpiece clock melting in the heat of a house fire – bringing home the harsh reality of the consequences of a fire in the home.
Video courtesy of The Fire Kills Campaign on Youtube.
It's probably useful the note that if you live in the west midlands you can get free fire alarm panels from your local fire station branch in addition to tips on how to install it. This can be especially advantageous if you're moving into a new property or something of the like.
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