February 29th - Check your Smoke Alarm
2008 is a leap year - one extra day = 366 instead of 365
make that extra 24 hours count!
Do something useful with the extra day you have this Leap Year - February 29th - and check your smoke alarm is working properly.
Although 95% of homes in the Eastern region have smoke alarms fitted, less than 20% are checked regularly. A smoke alarm which doesn't work is no protection for you or your family - no smoke alarm means you are twice as likely to die if fire breaks out.
"A Leap Year, of course, traditionally means ladies can pop the question, but we'd like them to check their smoke alarms too." says Chris Hawksby Community Safety Manager with Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS).
"People's New Year's resolutions may be starting to slip, so February 29th is the ideal time to get back into good habits and check that smoke alarm once a week. All you have to do is 'pull your finger out' and press the test button.
Julie Walters is currently advertising the idea in a national advertising campaign - we are just reminding our communities here in Bedfordshire and Luton to pay attention."
Five easy steps to fire safety:
Fit a smoke alarm - preferably one on each floor
Test it weekly - one that doesn't work is like no smoke alarm at all
Plan your escape route - how would you and the family exit if you couldn't see through thick black smoke
Keep the kitchen safe - most fires start in the kitchen - take care when cooking and switch everything off at night
Ask the experts - free home fire safety checks can be carried out across the United Kingdom - visit the Fire Gateway Site