Fire & Rescue, Fire Safety
Alarms save lives and in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident they can provide precious time to escape. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and UK Fire and Rescue Services, are highlighting the importance of installing alarms as part of Home Safety Week #SafeHome21, which runs from 14th – 20th June.
In 18% of dwelling fires in the UK smoke alarms fail to activate. The most common reason, around 50% of instances it was because the smoke did not reach the alarm. So, we ask householders to install alarms to ensure the whole home is covered. Smoke alarms should be installed in the rooms used most, this is where a fire is most likely to start.
CO is a highly poisonous gas, which you cannot see, taste or smell. NFCC recommend that any room with a fuel burning appliance such as an open fire, wood burning stove or gas appliance such as a boiler or cooker should also have a working CO alarm fitted.
Latest NFCC guidance also recommends:
James Bywater, NFCC Lead for Home Detection commented:
“NFCC want people to think about the risks in their homes and ensure they take action to prevent incidents and ensure they have the right detection in the right places to be alert if an incident happens. This might mean installing more smoke alarms in your home, particularly in the rooms used most, and carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms with a fuel burning appliance. Home detection technology has advanced and products with sealed batteries or interlinked systems are available and as part of your home safety plan may give you and your family precious time to escape.”
For the latest up to date advice and information about keeping your home safe please click here to visit the National Fire Chief Council website. If you would like specific advice for your household then please contact your local fire and rescue service for fire and CO safety guidance or to arrange a free home safety check.
