Change your clocks, check your smoke alarms

25 March 2008

Is the message from the County Fire Officer of Greater Manchester Barry Dixon “With Spring upon us and the start of pleasant lighter nights, what better time than now to check that small item in your home which could save you or your family's lives?”

“With the clocks going forward for British Summertime, how many of the thousands of householders in Greater Manchester will forget and be late for work or the school run? If you forget to regularly check your smoke alarm is working the consequences could be potentially lethal”.

“Smoke alarms were responsible for detecting many of the 2,800 accidental house fires we attended last year in Greater Manchester… but where alarms weren’t  fitted or not working many of the injuries that occurred could have been avoided if smoke alarms had been checked and were working”.

“Smoke alarms are inexpensive, from less than £5, and available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets.  Always make sure that they meet the BS5446 Part 1, have a 'KITEMARK' and that they are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided”.

For longer term protection and peace of mind, it's a good idea to fit 10-year smoke alarms.

How do I look after my smoke alarm?

• Once a year – Change your battery (unless it's a 10-year alarm).
• Once a week – Check the alarm by pressing the button.
• Twice a year – Vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber. (For mains wired alarms, switch off first.)
• Whatever happens – never remove the battery to use it for other purposes.
• Free Home Fire Risk Assessment’s are available to all residents of Greater Manchester. For a free risk assessment call 0800 555 815.  

In closing Barry Dixon said: “We know that smoke alarms save lives.  They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly.  Once fitted they do require testing and some simple cleaning.  The one sombre message I would leave you with is dead batteries can be replaced, dead families cannot.”

Press enquires
All enquiries regarding this press statement should be made to:

The Media Liaison Officer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
146 Bolton Road
Swinton
Manchester
M27 8US

Telephone: 0161 608 4090/1
Fax: 0161 608 4095