Change your clocks, test your fire alarms

With winter fast approaching, many people keep warm in front of an open fire, but chimneys can easily catch fire and cause serious damage, particularly in thatched properties.

Take the time to check

Stuart Garner, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service Risk Reduction Manager said: “You are more than four times as likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of people who own an alarm say they take the time to check it. I would like to encourage everyone to make testing your smoke alarm part of your weekly household routine.

“If you are a victim of a fire it can be a distressing and a devastating experience.  Taking ten minutes to complete the Home Fire Risk Check could help make you and your family safer.” 

Family saved by smoke alarm

Last Saturday (October 20) a family from Carterton was potentially saved from serious harm thanks to a working a smoke alarm in the house.

Incident Commander John Nixon, who tackled the blaze, said: “The occupier of the property was alerted to the fire due to working smoke alarms and once alerted she then gathered up her children and exited the building making sure doors were closed behind her.”

Makes the difference

Cllr Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “The few minutes it takes to check smoke alarms are working can make the difference to saving lives.

"It is important to follow the advice and carry out the safety checks provided by our Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time over the winter season."

Fire Kills have produced a short film to support the “Change your clocks, test your smoke alarm” campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aw1JmjIA-I&list=PL16540F1E4C131181&index=2&feature=plpp_video

For further fire safety advice and to carry out the Home Fire Risk Check visit: www.365alive.co.uk