Following the tragic events which unfolded at the Grenfell Tower block in London today, Hampshire safety charity The Blue Lamp Trust is reminding all households to be checking their smoke alarms every week.
As research shows only 28 per cent of all households who own a smoke alarm test them on a regular basis, community safety experts at the charity insist on fitting smoke alarms on every floor of your home - and to check the battery every month.
It’s simple advice - but it could save your life, or your family’s lives.
The Hampshire-based Trust has installed over 1500 smoke alarms in 2016 and more than 7,000 alarms in homes since 2011.
The Bobby Scheme offered by The Blue Lamp Trust, provides free home security, long-life smoke alarms and peace of mind for vulnerable and elderly people in Hampshire.
Working in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, it advises:
• Fit a minimum of one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, ideally on the ceiling of a hallway or landing
• Fit an extra alarm in rooms where you have electrical equipment such as a CD player, computer, television or games console plugged in
• Don’t fit them in kitchens and bathrooms as smoke from cooking and steam could cause a false alarm
• Test your smoke alarm battery once a month - press the button until the alarm sounds
• Vacuum inside your smoke alarm case (or through the holes if sealed) twice a year to remove dust from the sensors
• Change the battery once or twice a year (unless it's a long-life alarm) - use family birthdays, or a special occasion, to remind you to change it or when you change your clocks, change the batteries
• Replace your alarm with a whole new unit after 10 years
If you have trouble fitting or testing your smoke alarm ask a friend, family member, neighbour or carer to test it for you.
Jim Bettley, general manager at Blue Lamp Trust said: “What has happened in London today proves how vital testing smoke alarms is. Domestic fires can be caused by various hazards - cooking, faulty wiring and electric blankets, smoking in bed, lighting, flammable liquids and clothes dryers.
“By fitting smoke detectors on every floor of your home, you will help protect yourself and your family - the alarm will alert you to a fire in your home and give you that vital time to make an escape to safety.”
“While we hope the alarms will never have to be used, you will have peace of mind by installing them and ensuring they are always in working order by testing them once a month.”
