Firefighters are urging people in Stone to ‘Push the Button’ on their smoke alarms when the clocks go forward this weekend.
The campaign, which has proved to be a big success since its launch in 2011, encourages people to test their smoke detectors on a regular basis. Residents are being asked to test the smoke alarms of older or vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours to help keep them safe too.
Statistics show that people are four times more likely to die in their home if they do not have a working smoke alarm. More than half of those who die in property fires are aged 65 or over.
[box type=”shadow” ]Station manager Dez Stoddart said: “Many people don’t realise just how dangerous smoke from a fire is – just three breaths of toxic smoke can kill. Sadly, smoke is responsible for more than half of all deaths in accidental house fires. There have been a number of incidents in Staffordshire where people have been alerted to a fire in their property thanks to their smoke alarms activating. The consequences could have been a lot worse if their detectors were not working, it really is that simple.
“We strongly urge people to check their smoke detectors when they put their clocks forward this weekend. It could save your life and your family’s life.”[/box]
You can also sign up for a weekly email reminder to test your smoke alarms.
Clocks go forward at 1am on Sunday 27th March 2016
