The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue service are supporting the national ‘Fire Kills’ advertising campaign during March, reminding people to test their household smoke alarms when the clocks go forward at the commencement of British Summer Time (Sunday 25 March).
The Fire Kills campaign is urging people to make a potentially life-saving move when they change their clocks on the weekend of Sunday 25 March – by taking a moment to test their smoke alarms too.
While losing that extra hour’s sleep on Sunday 25 March may not be appealing, turning the clocks forward will already be on the majority of UK households’ ‘to-do’ lists. But while we all keep our clocks working and we ensure that they stay on track, it’s shocking that many people forget to do the simplest of tests to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if your smoke alarm is not working. So it’s clear that the simple act of testing your alarm is a vital part of any household routine.
Chief Fire Officer Brian Draper said:
“We’re all losing sleep at the start of British Summer Time, but testing your smoke alarm could save you from losing a lot more. As you put your clocks forward on Sunday 25 March, take an extra moment to push the button – it could save your life.
A working smoke alarm gives you early warning of a fire in your home and may give you those few valuable seconds to escape before being trapped by smoke or fire.
We give this campaign our full support and hope that members of the public will make testing their smoke alarm part of their weekly household routine.”
If a fire does break out, then – Get out, Stay out and Call 999
The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service have also recently received two call-outs to incidents potentially involving Carbon Monoxide (CO). We would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public of the dangers associated with Carbon Monoxide and inform them of steps that can be taken to ensure you are not affected by it in your home.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be fatal or cause permanent damage to your health. CO is produced when carbon fuels don't burn completely. It has no smell or taste and, in large quantities, it can kill very quickly
CO can be produced in any fuel-burning appliance that is not properly maintained. Sources can include cookers, heaters, gas tumble dryers, hot-water heaters and fireplaces. Danger signs that CO may be leaking include:
- yellow or orange flames where there should normally be blue ones
- sooty stains on the walls around fires and water heaters. You could also be poisoned by CO if you share a wall or chimney with a house that has a CO leak, even if your own house does not have one
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include the following:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- General lethargy
- Severe headaches
- Impaired mental ability
- Chest or stomach pains
- Pink skin and bright red lips in severe poisoning cases
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.
If you suspect you have carbon monoxide poisoning, don't hesitate to visit your GP as soon as possible. Diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is not easy because it simulates many other conditions, so do say what you think is wrong.
In an emergency you should take the following steps:
- Remove the victim from the contaminated area immediately
- Place them in the open air
- Give pure oxygen if available
- Keep them at rest - avoiding all exertion
- Call for medical help urgently
Remember: evacuate, ventilate, communicate
If you suspect that an appliance is leaking carbon monoxide turn it off, open all doors and windows and get it checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
