Have you got working smoke alarms?

The national Fire Kills campaign is focusing on the importance of working smoke alarms throughout May.

A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape from your home. They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.

Station Manager Kathy Collis, from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety department, said: “You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm. The more alarms you have, the safer you'll be - as long as they are working - so make sure you test them weekly. You should have a minimum of one alarm on each floor. However, if you have only one alarm and two floors, put it somewhere you’ll be able to hear it when you're asleep.”

It usually takes a few minutes to install your smoke alarm yourself - just follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with it. The best place for your smoke alarm is on the ceiling, near or at the middle of the room or hall. The alarm should be at least 30cm (one foot) away from a wall or light.

To keep your smoke alarm in good working order, you should:

• test it once a week, by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds
• change the battery on the low warning signal or once a year (unless it’s a ten-year alarm)
• replace the whole unit every ten years

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service can fit smoke alarms free of charge in households that meet certain criteria. To see if you qualify for a home fire safety check, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk