ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is encouraging residents to reduce the risk of having a fire in the home this September as part of Home Fire Safety Month.
To stay safe, residents are being asked to ensure they have enough working smoke alarms in their home.
According to data released by RBFRS, in 27% of accidental dwelling fires in England, the smoke alarm failed to operate.
Gail Muirhead, west hub prevention manager, said: “It is important to know what to do if a fire starts in your home.
“We always advise people to fit at least one working smoke alarm on every floor of their home, ideally on landings or in corridors.
“It is important to test all of your smoke alarms once each week, as working smoke alarms will give you an early warning and more time to escape in an emergency.”
The RBFRS also advise replacing smoke alarms at least every 10 years, depending on the specification, fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel burning appliance and to install a heat alarm in the kitchen where possible.
However, RBFRS believe the best way to stay safe is to prevent an incident happening in the first place.
Advice to prevent a fire includes, extinguishing any smoking products, switch off appliances at the plug where possible before going to bed and making sure all devicesare fitted correctly.
In the event of a fire the RBFRS advise people to get out, stay out and call 999.
For more information, visit: rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety
