Fire service reiterates need for working smoke alarms

Following the Southampton shop fire, which we detailed yesterday, the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have reinforced their fire safety directive that a building should contain a minimum of one fully working fire alarm on every floor.

The fire in the city centre on Thursday morning, where three people were treated for injuries sustained in the blaze, has led to this reminder from the fire service.

The fire service has also stressed that these working fire alarms should ideally be installed in all rooms apart from the bathroom and kitchen of a home. These exceptions are because the hot water steam and cooking smoke can set off false alarms.

Shaun Cheeseman, Watch Manager at St. Mary’s Community Fire Station, said:

“Your working smoke alarm will give you very early warning of a fire – but when it sounds, you will need to know what to do. Think about how you will call the Fire and Rescue Service. Your working smoke alarm will give you the warning and the time to get out, get the fire service out… and stay out.”

This advice could help to save lives so it is important for all home and business owners to take heed of these fire safety warnings.