South Yorkshire firefighters issue smoke alarm advice

They issued the advice to coincide with the Government’s new ‘Fire Kills’ campaign, which will run throughout January to try to prevent the annual increase in fire-related emergencies and deaths over the winter months.

Trevor Bernard, Head of Community Safety for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “You’re four times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of the people who own an alarm say they take the time to check it regularly.

“Make sure you test your smoke alarms this month and get into the habit of testing them each month as they can save your and your family’s life.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue recorded 10 fire deaths last year.

Mr Bernard added: “Make sure you fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

“Whatever happens, never remove the batteries in your smoke alarms.

●”Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire.”