WIREDGOV

Free smoke alarms

Ten community radio stations across the country are backing  a 'Fire Kills' campaign for Ramadan, to inform their listeners about the potential dangers of fire in the home and what they can do to protect their family and the community.

Eighty people die each year as a result of not having a working smoke alarm. Research carried out by Communities and Local Government found that people living in households without a working smoke alarm are more than twice as likely to die from a fire1. A working smoke alarm provides the vital early warning needed to allow members of a household to escape in the event of a fire before they are overcome by smoke and fumes. By having one and testing it every week, you can help keep your family safer from fire.

Fire Minister Shahid Mailk said:

"Ramadan is a time for celebration in Muslim communities, but can also lead to an increased risk of kitchen fires due to higher amounts of cooking. Currently the ownership of smoke alarms amongst the Somali, Bangladeshi and Pakistani community is worryingly low and we want to help change this. This is why we are pleased to be working with these radio stations in getting people to think about fire safety in their home, and encouraging them to install smoke alarms, often available free from the Fire and Rescue Service, and then check them weekly."

The radio stations will be hosting special live shows on the Fire Kills campaign and to discuss fire safety issues.

Special Ramadan timetables have also been produced with support from the radio stations and will be exclusively distributed to the local communities.

Shahid Malik continues:

"Working closely with local communities is essential. Fire and Rescue Services are aware of the importance of both knowing their local communities and the communities knowing them. As part of the campaign, we are keen to make sure that people also take advantage of the free Home Fire Risk Check that the Fire and Rescue Service offers. They will check your home and advise you on how best to make your home fire safe. They may even install a smoke alarm free of charge."

1 www.direct.gov.uk/firekills (external link)

Notes to editors

1. The Fire Kills campaign is run by the Communities and Local Government. More information and tips on how to safeguard against fire risks and hazards can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/firekills (external link).

2. For a Home Safety Check please contact the local Fire and Rescue Service.

3. List of Ramadan community radio stations working in partnership with Fire Kills campaign, their broadcast dates and the local Fire and Rescue Service:

• Bismillah Radio Ramadan Woking 87.9FM  (21-08-09 - 21-09-09)
  Surrey FRS
• Fast FM Newcastle 87.9FM                       (20-08-09 - 20-09-09)
  Tyne and Wear FRS
• Mahay Ramzan Oldham 87.7FM                (23-09-09 - 23-09-09)
  Greater Manchster FRS
• Muslim Community Radio 87.8FM              (20-08-09 - 20-09-09)
  London Fire Brigade
• Radio Ramadan Stoke 87.9FM                   (21-08-09 - 21-09-09)
  Staffordshire FRS
• Radio Ramazan Burnley 97.1FM                 (22-08-09 - 22-09-09)
  Lancashire FRS
• Radio Ramzan High Wycombe 87.9FM        (20-08-09 - 20-09-09)
  Buckinghamshire FRS
• Ramadhan FM Preston 87.9FM                   (21-08-09 - 21-09-09)
  Lancashire FRS
• Ummah FM Reading 87.9FM                       (20-08-09 - 20-09-09)
  Royal Berkshire FRS
• Radio Ramadan Slough 87.9FM                   (21-08-09 - 21-09-09)
  Royal Berkshire FRS

4. The Ramadan timetable specifies the daily times for starting and breaking the fast and outlines the times for the daily prayers. The month of Ramadan lasts for a total of 29-30 days.

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