PEOPLE are failing to test their smoke detectors in eight out of 10 Huddersfield homes.
The worrying statistic means if a fire breaks out people can’t be sure the alarm will be triggered. They may not have enough time to escape with their lives.
Now a new Government campaign is under way called Pull Your Finger Out.
It urges people to test their smoke detectors simply by pushing the test button once a week.
According to a new survey, although over nine out of every 10 households in Yorkshire have a smoke alarm, more than 80% don’t test them often enough.
There were 1,846 house fires across the region in 2007, injuring 360 people and killing 14.
The risk of death from fire doubles in homes with no smoke detector.
West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh said: “Despite the fact that an increasing number of people own a smoke alarm, it’s worrying that such a large proportion of them don’t check they are working properly on a weekly basis.
“The message is simple – smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work!
“People should pull their fingers out and test their alarms, a simple action that could save lives.”
A new wave of TV advertising is accompanying the campaign, fronted by actress Julie Walters.
It highlights the devastating and potentially fatal consequences of not testing your alarm often enough.
Apathy seems to be the main reason local people don’t test their alarms, with 30% simply not remembering.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out more than 60,000 free home fire safety checks last year.
To book one call 0800 5874536. For information see www.firekills.gov.uk
