Derby fire claims six young lives – suspected arson

[Hymie]

This sad story should serve as a wake-up call to all of you that still do not have smoke alarms fitted within your dwelling – they will even protect (your life) against arson.

Available from less than £4 each, including the battery, just how little will you not spend to potentially save your life?

I have smoke alarms in every room of my house (and hallways), except the bathroom, toilet & kitchen – in the kitchen is fitted a battery powered heat alarm (these can also be purchased for very few pounds).

I know that all new build and rental property in the UK must be fitted with smoke alarms – but that leaves millions still unprotected.

If you are one of those at risk of being a victim of death from smoke inhalation during your sleep – fit a smoke alarm ASAP.

End of sermon.

[emmie]

many don't work, the batteries go flat quickly, and this case was arson
wasn't it? so it's set by someone, the fire spread very very quickly, so you have almost no chance. Add into that as proves with some neighbours they only have to leave the toast on ten seconds too long and the thing bleeps off. I haven't got them, and at this stage have no intention of putting them in.

[sherrardk]

I saw a news report that said the property in question did have smoke alarms and that's what alerted the parents (who were downstairs) to the fact that there was a fire.

[daffy654]

We had a smoke alarm fitted free by the Fire Service last year.

[emmie]

didn't the mother and father sleep downstairs, if they had been upstairs, not sure they would have got out. It's an incredibly sad story 6 children's lives lost.

[sinderella]

Hymie,you can see what you are up against trying to educate people about danger.its such a shame when nature takes these numskulls out of the gene pool that their children too.

[Hymie]

em10 – in the past I have suffered nuisance smoke alarms being triggered by ‘kitchen emissions’, which were in reality due to poor positioning of the smoke alarm. Many smoke alarms now include a hush feature – pressing a button on the alarm will disable it for 10 minutes or so, minimising the nuisance factor.

In relation to battery life, the battery supplied with the alarm should last for at least 1 year – including test of the alarm once a week.

While you sleep tonight, nothing will protect you and your family in the event of an electrical fire (or one started by inappropriately discarded smoker material) – why do you think the fire brigade give them away for free?

[anotheoldgit]

Smoke alarms are a good indicator of the presence fire, but with so many house fires where the occupants are trapped in upper floor rooms, is it not time for fire escapes to be incorporated in all newly built upper floor properties?