Fire Chief Urges ‘Save Your Life Fit A Smoke Alarm’

Date published: 28/06/2005

The weekend's tragic fire in Sparthbottoms has shown the life shattering results of not having a working smoke alarm fitted. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service is leading a campaign to have at least one working smoke alarm fitted in every household in Greater Manchester within 5 years. They are urging all agencies such as police, housing, and welfare groups etc, to work with them to ensure the most vulnerable people are identified and targeted for help.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Fire Safety) Steve Beckley said, “If you know somebody who you think might be at risk then let us know. We have specially trained teams available to check the fire safety in your home and fit smoke alarms where required. It is imperative that we see smoke alarms in the same way that we see seat belts, both are there for our safety and they truly help to save lives. As we naturally fasten our seat belts, we should ensure that we have working smoke alarms. Too often we attend fires where the battery of the smoke alarm has been removed and not replaced. Checking the alarm weekly and ensuring the batteries are replaced when necessary will ensure that they work when needed”.

Statistics

• 75% of all the fatal incidents we attended last year did not have a working smoke alarm.
• Of the 4,424 house fires we attended last year 48% had no smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarm ownership is approx 80% in Greater Manchester yet only 30% of the fires we attended had working smoke alarms.
• Our aim is to have at least one working smoke alarm in every household in Greater Manchester within 5 years, that’s over 200,000 homes.
• Target Fire visit give advice, assess fire safety and fit free smoke alarms.
• If you or anyone you know want a free home risk assessment then call free on 0800 555 815 or contact us at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk.