Change your clocks, service your smoke alarms

WITH the clocks going forward one hour this weekend, 27/03/10, Oxfordshire County Council?s Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people of the need to regularly maintain their smoke alarms.

Don?t forget clocks spring forward by one hour this weekend, officially the start of British Summer Time. So set your clocks forward by one hour on Sunday 28 March 2010.

The change officially for the Start of British Summer Time takes place at 01.00 Greenwich Mean Time, so set your clocks forward before going out on Saturday night to avoid getting up late in the morning!

We may be losing an hour but with extra daylight in the evenings and a long summer ahead, there?s plenty to look forward to after the clocks change.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 302 accidental house fires in 2009. 32 per cent of these did not have a smoke alarm fitted. Most of the injuries and destruction to property could have been easily avoided if smoke alarms had been regularly tested and therefore working.

Mike Bingham of Oxfordshire County Council?s Fire and Rescue Service said, ?We advise people to check their smoke alarms every six months and as the clocks change twice a year, we are encouraging people to make the link.

?As you change the clocks around your home, remember to check your smoke alarms too. It only takes a minute to check these small items, but it could save the lives of you and your loved ones.?

Peace of mind
Smoke alarms are inexpensive and available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets. They should be fitted on every level of your home in accordance with the manufacturer?s instructions provided.

For longer term protection and peace of mind, it is a good idea to fit 10-year smoke alarms.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue service offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. For more information, please contact the Community Fire Safety Team on 0800 325 999.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council?s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said, ?We know that smoke alarms save lives, as they can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire.

?We want to remind people to fit and maintain a working smoke alarm and buy themselves valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.?

How Do I Look After My Smoke Alarm?

Once a week ? test the alarm by pressing the button.
Once a year ? change the battery (unless it’s a 10-year alarm).
Twice a year ? vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn?t blocking the sensor chamber.
Never – remove the battery to use it for other purposes.
365 Alive
Please visit Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s 365alive campaign at www.365alive.co.uk for safety information and pledge to:

– check your smoke alarm once a week
– wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle
– have a fire escape plan