Make a New Year’s resolution to test your smoke alarms – every month

With the New Year underway, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is asking residents to make testing their smoke alarms monthly one of their New Year’s resolutions.

Why not circle the first of every month on your new calendar and tick it off after testing your alarms?
Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and safety should be top of the list. Making sure there are enough smoke alarms in the home and that they work takes just a few seconds – and could saves lives.

A smoke alarm going off can give someone the extra time they need to escape in a fire. While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of 10 years before it needs replacing.

For people who live in larger properties, a single smoke alarm is not enough. The recommendation is at least one on every level. Last year, in nearly half of all fires in the home where a smoke alarm did not give a warning, the reason was that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat batteries were another major cause.

To keep your alarms in working order:

• Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
• Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month
• Check that your smoke alarms are under 10 years old
• Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Also consider rooms which have electrical appliances – e.g. a heater or charger – or other fire risks
• Take a moment to check on loved ones who may need help to ensure they’re protected too.

Mark Thomas, Prevention Group Manager for MFRS, said: “At this time of year, many people will take the opportunity to make a fresh start and think about how they can improve their health and wellbeing and their homes.

“Smoke alarms offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget so they won’t know if an alarm might be coming to the end of its lifespan or not working at all. We are asking people to make sure that their alarms are up-to-date and up to the job.”