Shropshire fire service in Tick Tock Test smoke alarms plea as clocks go back

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said everyone noticed when a clock stopped ticking but few remembered to test smoke alarms. The fire service is now calling on householders to link the twice-yearly time change with a smoke alarm test.

The new scheme forms part of a nationwide Tick, Tock, Test message from Fire Kills, a Government initiative aimed to help reduce deaths and injuries from fire.

The risk of dying from smoke inhalation in a house fire increases four-fold without a working smoke alarm, with elderly people most at risk.

Station manager Guy Williams, who leads the Safety in the Community team at Shrewsbury fire headquarters, said: "Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking but it's harder to tell when a smoke alarm has stopped working.

"But by pushing the test button on every smoke alarm in your home, you could save the lives of your nearest and dearest, children, parents and friends alike.

"I would also urge people to test smoke alarms in homes occupied by the elderly whether they be family or neighbours.

"A smoke alarm which works can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999."

More than 200 people died in fires in the home last year – and 70 per cent of those deaths were not alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm. More than half of those who died were over the age of 65. The service has also issued a checklist for householders.

Residents should install a smoke alarm on each floor of their home, test smoke alarms at least once a week, change the battery at least once a year – unless it is a 10-year alarm – never remove batteries for use in anything else and gently vacuum the inside to remove dust from the sensors twice a year.

For a free home fire safety check call (01743) 260200.