Smoke Alarms

• Fire strikes when you least expect it, often during the night. If you are asleep when a fire starts and you don't have working smoke alarms to wake you, your chance of surviving is virtually zero.
• 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.

• Smoke alarms should be placed on each level of your home.
• Smoke alarms should be fitted on ceilings.
• Ideally, one in your hallway and one on your landing.
• Test smoke alarms weekly, (Test It Tuesday) even if they are mains powered.
• Smoke alarms should be vacuumed at least twice a year to remove any dust or insects. Replace the battery annually, give it a birthday unless the alarm is fitted with a 10 year sealed battery.