'Push the Button! Not Your Luck' - a hard-hitting nationwide campaign urging people to test their smoke alarm batteries once-a-week - is being backed by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Nine people have died in fires in West Sussex in the last year. In seven of those fires, there was no smoke alarm or the smoke alarm did not work because the battery was either flat or had been taken out.

Chris Bishop , Assistant Divisional Officer, said: "The chances are you have a smoke alarm in your home. But when was the last time you tested the battery And do you even have a battery in your alarm

"You are twice as likely to die in a fire in your home if you do not have a working smoke alarm - a huge human cost for failing to do something as simple as checking your smoke alarm.

"What is worrying is this: although around 80 per cent of the population now own smoke alarms, fire statistics show that many of these alarms are not functioning due to flat or missing batteries.

"Previous fire safety campaigns have been very successful in increasing the number of smoke alarms in people's homes.

"However, a smoke alarm is useless if it is not in working order. It is imperative that people check their smoke alarms regularly.

"Nuisance alarms needn't go off if they are situated correctly. And never, ever remove batteries for use in other electrical appliances."

Here are some essential tips to ensure your smoke alarm can save your life in the event of a fire:

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Check the battery once a week.
• Replace the battery every twelve months.
• Battery smoke alarm units should be replaced every 10 years.
• Consider installing ten year smoke alarms or hard wired alarms.
• Do not put smoke alarms in the kitchen.

David Dewdney , County Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "Our Fire and Rescue Service welcomes this nationwide campaign because it is reinforcing the work our Community Fire Safety Officers carry out throughout the year to promote fire safety and prevention."

The campaign will feature TV, radio and press advertising and is supported by the Fire and Rescue Services in England and Wales and the Partners in Fire Prevention: Ei Electronics , Energizer , esure , Help the Aged , Homebase , Lloyds pharmacy and Woolworths .

Further information about smoke alarm maintenance and fire safety advice can be found at www.firekills.gov.uk

Leaflets on smoke alarm maintenance are available from selected retailers supporting the campaign and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Ends…

PICTURE CAPTION: 'Push the Button! Not Your Luck!' That's the message from these West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service firefighters who are backing a nationwide campaign urging people to test their smoke alarms.
Pictured are Firefighters: Murray Walker top, Jon Marshall left and Rick Williams on the right. Click picture to enlarge

For further information on the campaign in West Sussex, please contact the Community Fire Safety Office on telephone number .

Related links: Smoke Alarms 1697Kb PDF

Back to News Page