DETECTION

Fire strikes when you least expect it, often during the night. If you are asleep when a fire starts you need a working smoke alarm to wake you.

Fire spreads very quickly - the real killer is the smoke.

People cannot smell smoke - when you are asleep you lose your ability to smell.

It only takes 3 or 4 breaths of the toxic fumes to suffocate you and family members.

A smoke alarm is an early warning system which warns you almost as soon as a fire starts and gives you and your family time to alert everyone and to escape safely.

Every home should have a smoke alarm on every level as a minimum! Ideally, one in your hallway and one on your landing. You can have more - in fact in any room where there is a potential ignition source. Fit a heat detector in the kitchen - cooking fumes would make a smoke detector go off too often!

Smoke alarms should be fitted on ceilings at the highest point as smoke rises.

How do we test a smoke alarm? We press the test button. If you can't reach use something long and pointy, such as a broom handle, walking stick or umbrella.

Test smoke alarms weekly, (Test It Tuesday) even if they are mains powered.

Remember: Always tell the people who are home that you will be testing the smoke alarm as we don't want them to panic.

If the alarm has a replaceable battery, replace the battery annually, give it a birthday unless the alarm is fitted with a 10 year sealed battery.

Smoke alarms should be vacuumed at least twice a year to remove any dust or insects.