merrion street

Many of us will embrace the May Bank Holiday this year by doing some odd jobs around the house and perhaps some spring cleaning.  This is also an ideal time for householders to remember the importance of fire safety.  South Tipp's Fire Chief Tadhg O Driscoll noted that,

Taking just two minutes to check the battery in a smoke alarm could save lives.  Working Smoke Alarms save lives, pure and simple. So during this bank holiday weekend, check that smoke alarms are working correctly by pushing the test button, replace the batteries and vacuum your smoke alarms.

The

is urging the public not to forget the importance of keeping your Home Fire Safe. Smoke alarms should be checked regularly. Fire Brigade chiefs are urging householders to include smoke alarms as part of the annual spring-cleaning regime this May Bank Holiday.

Wipe the casing and slots:- they can get clogged with dust which may prevent them from working properly. If you have a mains operated smoke alarm, ensure you switch off the smoke alarm at the mains before cleaning. Remember to switch it on again.

Building Regulations now require installations in new homes to be mains operated, with a battery backup in case of a power failure. Those who live in older houses, in rented property or an apartment are all less likely to have an alarm. A national survey on smoke alarm ownership found that there are over 300,000 households who do not have any smoke alarms installed!

Smoke alarms can be bought at most hardware stores and electrical retailers. They are simple to install, easy to maintain and potentially the best investment you can make. A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you precious time to escape.