www.communities.gov.uk

Nation urged to "Pull your finger out!" and stay safe from fire

Published 15 January 2008

A new campaign launched today (15 January 2008) by Communities and Local Government is delivering the stark message to 'Pull Your Finger Out' and check your smoke alarm. Although 80 per cent of homes in England have a smoke alarm(1), new survey results from the Fire Kills campaign and TNS(2) show that an alarming four in five of those polled don't follow advice to test their alarm every week. Not checking smoke alarms regularly puts loved ones and homes at unnecessary risk.

Checking a smoke alarm only takes minutes but the reasons given for failing to take this simple precaution are disturbing, with general apathy stopping many people from being fire safe. Reasons given for not testing smoke alarms enough include: 'not remembering' (23 per cent), 'don't think about it' (14 per cent), 'too busy' (8 per cent) and 'can't be bothered' (7 per cent)(2). This is despite the fact that if you don't have a working smoke alarm you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire(1). 

The 'Pull Your Finger Out' national advertising campaign, fronted by Julie Walters, highlights the devastating and potentially fatal consequences of not testing your alarm often enough. Running in England from 15 January 2007 to early March, the advert shows the horrific aftermath of a fire in the home with a burnt out kitchen providing the backdrop to the scene. 

Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda said:

"The harsh truth is that unless a smoke alarm is regularly maintained it could be rendered useless in the event of a fire. Clearly it is not enough to simply own a smoke alarm and hope that loved ones and homes will be protected. Maintaining a smoke alarm takes moments and this simple precaution can save lives.

"The impact of fire can be devastating and potentially fatal, so I would urge people to take immediate action by obtaining a smoke alarm and checking it weekly - these simple steps could save lives".

Make your home fire safe and keep it that way with the Fire Kills campaign 5 step plan:

Step 1 - Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital. Make sure you replace battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.

Step 2 - Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.

Step 3 - Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.

Step 4 - Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Also, never leave cooking unattended.

Step 5 - Ask the experts. Fire and Rescue Services in England offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. Find out more at www.fire.gov.uk (external link).

Notes to editors

Case studies, logos and images are available upon request, for further information please contact:

Kim Keegan, 020 7261 8204, kim.keegan@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Leigh Brimicombe 020 7261 8682 leigh.brimicombe@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Katherine Brown 020 7261 8479, katherine.brown@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Mary Price, 020 7261 8318, mary.price@coi.gsi.gov.uk

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