14 January 2022
The Fire Kills campaign and Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) are encouraging people in Jersey to have a think about the number and location of smoke alarms in their home.
Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and for this reason they'd like to encourage everyone to make fire safety a top priority in 2022.
Latest fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide us with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.
Most people know a working smoke alarm can save lives by providing those vital few seconds needed to escape a fire in the home. But, despite most homes (90%) having at least one working smoke alarm, recent statistics show that smoke alarms only alerted householders to a fire in 43% of cases.
The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.
"We must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms to cover our whole home," said Crew Commander Simon Le Maistre. "If you don't have enough, or they're not in the right place, you might not be alerted in time.
"You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. Placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.
"It's also important to remember that smoke alarms don't last forever. The power might work, but the part that detects smoke, deteriorates with time. To work their best, they should be replaced every ten years."
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service offer 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 and make sure they are clean
- Take a moment to check on your loved ones who may need help to ensure they're fully protected.
gov.je