Drowning in the toxic smoke of a house fire is the risk you take if you do not have a working smoke alarm. That is the stark message being delivered by Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service in support of the new national Fire Kills campaign.

New survey results from Fire Kills show that people vastly underestimate the impact of toxic smoke. Of those surveyed in the South West:

* 41% believe they could survive for more than two minutes in a smoke filled room;

* 46% think they would be alerted to a fire by the smell of the smoke;

* 20% believe a pet (e.g. their dog barking), or someone else would alert them to a house fire.

The only way to buy vital time to escape from a house fire is by having a working smoke alarm. Although 91% of those surveyed in the South West own smoke alarms, 67% admit to not testing them every week. This is despite the fact that you are more than twice as likely to die in an accidental house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.

Group Manager Perry Payne, from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety department, 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 smoke alarm. Owning a smoke alarm and hoping that it works is not enough to protect your home and loved ones.

There are six key things that you can do to protect your home and family from fire:

* Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, there is little time to escape so an early warning is vital. Battery operated smoke alarm units should be replaced after 10 years.

* Test alarms weekly - a smoke alarm can buy valuable time as long as it’s working

* Plan your escape route – make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.

* Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off, and you should never leave cooking unattended.

* If a fire does break out in the home, then get out, stay out and call 999.

* Ask the experts. Contact Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service to see if you qualify for a free home fire safety check. Call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

15th October 2009