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Service Encourages Berkshire Residents to Test Their Smoke Alarms Regularly

Working smoke alarms save lives – get them, install them, test them.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is supporting this month’s Fire Kills campaign to encourage people across the County to test the smoke alarms in their houses regularly.

A smoke alarm

“It only takes a few seconds to test your smoke alarms, but those seconds could make all the difference in an emergency” says Gail Muirhead, West Hub Prevention Manager for RBFRS. “Testing your smoke alarms ensures that, in the event of an emergency, you can count on them alert you to danger.

“Smoke alarms are an essential for keeping your home safe, as they offer vital escape time for you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. Don’t leave things to chance, test your alarms weekly and change the batteries once a year to help keep you safe.”

“It only takes a few seconds to test your smoke alarms, but those seconds could make all the difference in an emergency”

Gail Muirhead, West Hub Prevention Manager

In the event of a fire, working smoke alarms will give you the valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.

Female firefighter sitting on sofa holding a smoke alarm

To help keep you and your loved ones safe, follow these tips:

  • Test the batteries in your smoke alarm once a week, even if they’re wired into the mains.
  • Test the smoke alarms of those who are unable to test their own.
  • Make sure you fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
  • Never remove the batteries from your smoke alarms – unless you are replacing them.
  • Check which type of smoke alarm you have and replace it when needed – this could be every 10 years or even every year.
  • Gently vacuum over the slots of your smoke alarms to remove dust twice a year.
  • Plan and practice an escape route and make sure that everyone in your home knows it.
  • In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.

People who are moving house or are moving to university in October are advised to contact their housing provider to ensure that that the correct safety measures are in place.

For further information about smoke alarms, visit the Smoke Alarms page of our website.