Residents are being urged to make fire safety a priority in their home, by ensuring they have enough working smoke alarms and that they are tested regularly. 

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is also making residents aware of an easy-to-follow online fire safety survey they can do which will help identify fire risks around their home. 

The online tool offers tips and advice on the steps that can be taken to reduce those risks. At the end, a personalised fire safety action plan is given to help keep you and your household safe from fire. 

The fire service also offers home safety checks for residents deemed to be at higher risk, for example if they are elderly, have mobility issues or vulnerabilities. 

To access online fire safety advice and to see if you or an elderly relative are eligible for a home safety check got to nland.uk/safety 

Chief Fire Officer for Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service Graeme Binning said:  

“Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning for householders, and can literally save lives, but it is not enough to just have one. They must be situated on every level of their home, in the right place and be working. It only takes a few seconds to check your smoke alarms so try and make it part of your weekly routine.” 

 

The ideal position to locate a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing. It is also advised to consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas. 

 

Mr Binning added:  

“It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So, whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years.” 
  

“We also urge carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right places too.”