New Year's resolution: Check your smoke alarm

New Year Message: Check your smoke alarms Credit: PA

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to check their smoke alarms as the New Year gets underway.

The service is asking residents to be aware and make one of their resolutions in 2013 to ensure their smoke alarms are up-to-date and in the right place in their homes.

A smoke alarm can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a house fire. The average lifespan of a smoke alarm is just 10 years and needs replacing after this time.

For those living in multi-storey homes, a single smoke alarm isn't enough. Last year, nearly half of all household fires where the smoke alarm did not give warning were because the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire.

Smoke alarm tips:

  • Test your smoke alarm regularly.

  • Make sure your smoke alarm is up-to-date.

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are fitted on landings and hallways.

  • Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

  • Check the smoke alarms of loved ones.