If your alarm battery dies, so could you

2:29pm Wednesday 30th August 2006

BISHOP'S Stortford residents are being urged not to push their luck when it comes to smoke alarms.

Recent Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service statistics reveal there were 23 accidental property fires in Bishop's Stortford and a further 34 in East Herts over the past year.

However although 80 per cent of the population own smoke alarms at least one in eight fail to work, mainly because of flat or missing batteries.

Bishop's Stortford Fire Station commander Trevor Brown said: "I cannot stress enough that it only takes seconds to push the button to check your smoke alarm and by forgetting to do this you're putting your family at risk.

"Smoke alarms provide vital early warning signs when a fire breaks out, which is often during the night."

In a drive to raise awareness of the importance of smoke alarms, Hertford-shire Fire and Rescue Service has joined the national Push the Button, Not Your Luck' campaign which was launched this week (August 28).

During the campaign residents will be provided with a set of tips while firefighters are offering free home fire safety checks.

Mr Brown said: "Already 53 people in Bishop's Stortford and 124 people in East Herts have had a home safety check carried out and we're keen to increase this.

"During the visit crews will ensure the property has a working smoke alarm, and, if needed, fit one free.

"They will also discuss fire safety in the home and what to do if a fire breaks out."

All home checks are booked at a convenient time and are carried out by uniformed firefighters who will carry identification and use an agreed password. To book an appointment, ring 0800 587 3347.

For more about smoke alarm maintenance and fire safety advice visit www.firekills.gov.uk or www.hertsdirect.org/fire.

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