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| Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Jill Halfpenny have launched the 'Fire Kills Campaign' |
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with celebrity, Jill Halfpenny, to launch the latest 'Fire Kills Campaign' from the Department of Communities and Local Government.
As part of the London launch of the national 'Don't Drown in Toxic Smoke' campaign, Jill Halfpenny, was placed in a simulation unit provided by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
She then experienced what it is like to be in a smoky environment and tested how long it took her to 'escape'.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage a long term behavioural change in the public so that weekly testing of their smoke alarms becomes a habit.
Phil Hales, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's Head of Community Safety said: "Toxic smoke from a fire will affect your ability to breathe in a similar way to drowning - after just two to three breaths you're unconscious.
The only way to buy more precious seconds to escape is by having a working smoking alarm. Owning a smoke alarm and hoping that it works is not enough to protect your home and loved ones, you need to test it weekly and make sure both you and your family know how to escape should a fire break out."
Actress Jill Halfpenny is supporting the campaign. She said: "As a mum I am very conscious of trying to keep my home as safe as possible to reduce the risks from fire, which is why I am supporting this important Fire Kills campaign.
The fact is that fires can and do happen, so it's important to check your smoke alarm weekly and to be aware of the dangers. Ignorance is definitely not bliss when it comes to keeping your family safe."
"The fact is that fires can and do happen, so it's important to check your smoke alarm weekly and to be aware of the dangers" |
The '6 Sense' steps are as follows:
- PLAN - plan your easiest escape route.
- TEST - fit a smoke alarm and test regularly.
- CHECK - check all appliances before going to bed or leaving the house.
- CARE - never leave cooking unattended.
- CLOSE - close doors at all times - this can prevent fire spreading.
- CALL - get out and call 999 at the first sign of fire.
