London Fire Brigade is delivering a stark message to residents -‘Pull Your Finger Out and check your smoke alarm.’
The message supports the latest burst of television advertising by the Government’s Fire Kills – ‘Pull Your Finger Out’ campaign. The campaign highlights the fact that although smoke alarm ownership is high, many people don’t realise that not checking their alarms regularly can put loved ones and homes at a potentially huge risk.
The advert shows the horrific aftermath of a fire in the home with a burnt out kitchen providing the backdrop to the scene. Actress Julie Walters fronts the adverts which will be beamed into homes in London between September 15 and October 12.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Steve Turek said: "Having a smoke alarm that works, testing and maintaining it, as well as planning an escape route from a fire can dramatically decrease the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire occurring in the home. If fire breaks out - get out, stay out and call 999 - don't try to tackle fire yourself.”
Ensuring you stay safe from fire is quick and simple. These are Assistant Commissioner Turek’s essential fire safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family and your home from fire:
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. London Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety advice on identifying potential fire risks and what to do to reduce or prevent them. To find out more, contact London Fire Brigade on 08000 28 44 28.
Other fire prevention tips include:
•Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly, disposed of carefully and never smoke in bed.
•If you use candles, never leave them unattended or near to items that could catch fire like curtains or furniture.
•Don't overload electrical sockets. Remember one plug for one socket.
•Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child's bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen, it may well help save their life if there is a fire.
For more fire safety information visit http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/ and http://firekills.direct.gov.uk/index.html
Note to editors:
Notes to editors:
•The Fire Kills campaign is a national fire safety publicity campaign run by the Government which aims to reduce the number of deaths in house fires by raising awareness of fire safety issues.
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
