MARCH is Smoke Alarm Testing Month and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are asking everyone to get involved by deciding who in your home presses the buttons on your smoke alarms to check they are still working.

Did you know you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm?

A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you and your family to the danger of fire, giving everyone the precious time needed to escape.

Marc House, community safety prevention manager, said: “A smoke alarm can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and then forget them.

“Once you know who in your home will be pressing the button on your smoke alarms the next step is to check them weekly.

"As part of this campaign we encourage you to post photos on our Twitter and Facebook site of who will be checking your smoke alarms.”

To get involved by sending a photo, here’s what to do - take a photo of whoever in your home presses the button on your smoke alarm as they are pressing the button.

Then share your photo on twitter #presssmokebutton and @DSFireUpdates and on Facebook on Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.

 

TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR ALARMS IN WORKING ORDER.

•Test your smoke alarm by pushing the button regularly.

•Check the packaging for your smoke alarm to make sure it’s still up to date.

•Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.

•Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and in rooms which have an electrical appliance.

 

And while you're at it, why not e-mail them to us as newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk?