The results of a new study have revealed that a jaw-dropping 94% of Brits don’t test their smoke alarms as often as recommended, despite the significant safety risks of neglecting them. Fire and rescue organisations advise that alarms are checked weekly, but only 6% of residents test them as often as this, revealing a worrying gap in fire safety awareness.
The figures come from Go.Compare home insurance, which surveyed 2,000 British residents on their smoke alarm maintenance routines. Over half (57%) admitted to testing their alarms once every six months or less, and over a quarter (27%) test their alarms just once a year or less. This means millions of households are at risk of a potentially disastrous situation, simply by overlooking this routine measure.
Shockingly, more than one in 10 (13%) stated that they never test their alarms. Younger generations are the most guilty of neglecting this safety check, based on the study. Just over a fifth (21%) of under-35s stated they never do this - the highest proportion of any age group. Older residents were more prepared, with only one in 10 of those aged over 54 stating they never carry out tests.
The top reason residents fail to check their alarms more often is simply forgetfulness. Of those who said they check their alarms less than once per week, nearly half (48%) stated this as the main reason for not doing so more regularly.
Another common reason for irregular testing was that individuals thought they didn’t need to test their alarm any more than they do already, despite testing less than the recommended frequency. Around a third of residents (30%) admitted this, with a small fraction even suggesting that monthly or yearly testing is often enough. Others stated that they couldn’t be bothered (6%), didn’t have time (2%) or couldn’t reach the alarm due to it being on a high ceiling (1%).
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “It goes without saying that failing to regularly test a smoke alarm could have catastrophic consequences. As well as being a huge safety risk, your insurer might not pay out if your smoke alarm wasn’t working when a fire occurred, so you’d have to deal with the financial consequences of the blaze yourself - as well as the emotional ones. Testing your alarm takes seconds. It might feel like one of the more mundane tasks on your to-do list, but it’s also one of the most important. Consider setting a weekly reminder to test your alarm so you’re less likely to forget. If you have difficulty maintaining your alarms yourself, contact your local fire service for support. If you don’t know how to test it, you will likely find instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.”
More statistics about smoke alarm safety can be found here.
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