Latest fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.

Despite the majority of homes (93%) having at least one working smoke alarm in their home¹, smoke alarms alerted householders to a fire in England in only 47% of cases². The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.  

Safe & Well Manager Sarah Moore said: “Regularly testing and making sure there are enough smoke alarms is extremely important. If you don’t have enough, or they’re not in the right place, you might not be alerted in time.

Not just this, but smoke alarms don’t last forever and regularly need to be checked to ensure they are working as they should. They provide vital warnings to help reduce the devastation a fire in the home can cause.”

Take a look at these smoke alarm top tips:

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Fit your smoke alarms in the right place. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.
• Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas.
• Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
• Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

If you are a carer or have elderly/vulnerable relatives, don’t forget to check their smoke alarms too.

For advice specific to you and your home, visit www.ohfsc.co.uk and complete your own home fire safety check.  For further information, visit: fireengland.uk/fire-safety or www.dwfire.org.uk/smoke-alarms/