Make a New Year's resolution to test
your smoke alarms - every month
WITH the New Year underway, Merseyside
Fire and Rescue Service is asking residents to make testing their smoke alarms
monthly 1 of their New Year's resolutions. Why not circle the first of every
month on your new calendar and tick it off after testing your alarms?
Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and safety should
be top of the list. Making sure there are enough smoke alarms in the home and
that they work takes just a few seconds; and could saves lives.
A smoke alarm going off can give someone the extra time they need to escape in a
fire. While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted,
most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of 10 years
before it needs replacing.
For people who live in larger properties, a single smoke alarm is not enough.
The recommendation is at least 1 on every level. Last year, in nearly ₤ of
all fires in the home where a smoke alarm did not give a warning, the reason was
that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat
batteries were another major cause.
To keep your alarms in working order:-
► Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
► Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month.
► Check that your smoke alarms are under 10 years old.
► Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Also consider
rooms which have electrical appliances; eg:- a heater or charger or other
fire risks.
► Take a moment to check on loved ones who may need help to ensure they're
protected too.
Mark Thomas, Prevention Group Manager for MFRS, said:- "At this time of
year, many people will take the opportunity to make a fresh start and think
about how they can improve their health and wellbeing and their homes.
Smoke alarms offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people
simply fit and forget so they won't know if an alarm might be coming to the end
of its lifespan or not working at all. We are asking people to make sure that
their alarms are up to date and up to the job.
If your alarm is getting past its best or your top floor is missing an alarm of
its own, make your New Year's resolution to fit new ones, test them on the 1st
of every month; and protect your loved ones in 2018."
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Macmillan Cancer Support team is coming
to Liverpool and Birkenhead
FREE cancer advice and support is
coming to Liverpool 16 January to 18 January 2018, and making a return visit to Birkenhead on
19 January 2018. Macmillan Cancer Support's mobile service will be visiting the area,
with cancer information specialists on hand to answer questions and provide
information. The team encourages anyone with worries relating to cancer to stop
by, whether you're living with cancer, or care for someone who is.
Cancer can impact all aspects of your life, not just your health. The team are
highlighting issues around the financial impact of cancer. If you've been
affected by cancer, your finances might not be your first thought, but many
people are faced with extra costs they hadn't considered.
Macmillan research shows that four in five people with cancer are ₤570 a month
worse off as a result of their diagnosis1. This is often due to being unable to
work and having increased costs such as travel to hospital or increased fuel
bills.
Details of the visits:-
► On
Tuesday, 16 January, they will be visiting
Asda Huyton (L36 7TX) from
9am to 4pm.
► On
Wednesday, 17 January, they will be at
New Mersey Retail Park,
Speke Road,
Speke (L24 8QB) from
9am to 4pm.
► On
Thursday, 18 January, they will be visiting
Tesco Park Road,
215 Park Road,
Toxteth (L9 4XF) from
9am to 4pm.
► On
Friday, 19 January,
Catherine Street (opposite Asda),
Birkenhead (CH41 6HW) from
9am to 5pm.
Debbie Smith, a Macmillan Information and
Support Specialist on the unit, says:- 'It's really important that people
living with cancer are able to access the financial advice and support they are
entitled to, so they can focus on what's most important: their health. We can
help signpost people to Macmillan benefits advisers who can provide free,
confidential advice. On the dates mentioned above, we're here to answer any
questions about cancer. Whether you want to know what symptoms to look out for,
need advice about managing the side effects of your treatment, or want to find
local support for carers, come along and see us. We'd be happy to help.'
For further information about Macmillan's mobile information service, and
planned visits, go to:-
MacMillan.Org.UK/MobileInfo.
If you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, visit:-
MacMillan.Org.UK or call them on the
free phone number:- 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).
You can find
out about Macmillan services near you via clicking on
here.
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