Tick, Tock, Test

Spring into action with Tick, Tock, Test- smoke alarms save lives

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work, which is why Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to test them when they change their clocks.

The clocks are due to go forward on 29th March 2015 and the Service is once again supporting the Fire Kills 'Tick Tock Test' campaign, encouraging people to test their smoke alarms at the same time they update their clocks.

People are at least four times more likely to die in a fire if they do not have a working smoke alarm- it can buy the valuable time needed to get out, stay out and call 999.

Many householders don't realise how dangerous smoke from a fire can be. It will not wake you up if there is a fire in your home, it will kill you, so it is essential that smoke alarms are tested regularly.

Fire Kills campaign's memorable phrase – Tick, Tock, Test – will hopefully stay in people's minds and prompt them into action when they go around their home changing their timepieces.

One Cheshire resident who will definitely be checking his smoke alarms is John Haydon. He was in bed asleep and was alerted to a fire in his living room by the smoke alarm bleeping at the top of the stairs.

His 18-month-old chocolate Labrador, Maisy, was in her cage in the kitchen and his first thought was to get her out. He then dialled 999 for help and went round to wake his neighbours up.

He said: "I was very surprised at how quickly the fire spread. One minute I was getting us both out and the next I was watching the front window blow and thick black smoke come out. It spread so quickly that I was glad to see the firefighters arrive.

"I have lived here for three years and the two smoke alarms were already fitted when I arrived. To be perfectly honest I've never bothered with them."

The smoke alarms were fitted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2004, during a routine visit to the previous owner.

Keith Brooks, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's Head of Prevention and Protection said: "We are determined to prevent as many deaths as possible from fire, and the Fire Kills Tick, Tock, Test, campaign is a great reminder for people to make sure their smoke alarms are working.

"Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking, but it's not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order. We all lead busy lives so prompts like this are vital to ensure everyone takes the time to test.

"As over half the people who died in home fires last year were 65 years old or above, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for older relatives who might find it hard to reach their alarms but are at greater risk.

"You could easily save the lives of your nearest and dearest – children, parents and friends alike- by pushing the 'test' button on every smoke alarm in your property."

So this clock change weekend – March 28th and 29th- remember – Tick, Tock, Test!
For more information visit our website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

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