Every smoke detector counts!
From 8 to 23 September 2018, the 'Safety Fortnight' will take place. Every year during this period, the Federal Public Service of the Interior and the emergency services organise awareness-raising campaigns on fire safety in the home. This year, the campaign slogan 'Every smoke alarm counts' reminds citizens of the need to have smoke alarms installed and maintained, and an escape plan in case of fire.
The installation of smoke alarms and the development of an escape plan enable the occupants of a home to escape in time if a fire breaks out. The importance of this aspect cannot be underestimated. In 2017, at least 53 people died during or as a result of a house fire, which is more than 4 deaths per million inhabitants.
A joint study with the National Association for Fire and Burglary Protection (ANPI) shows that 3 out of 10 Belgians still do not have a smoke detector and that 1 out of 5 has one in a cupboard but has not yet fixed it to the ceiling. 4 out of 10 Belgians who have smoke detectors do not maintain them.
This means that only 4 out of 10 Belgians have a maintained smoke detector. Research also shows that 1 in 20 Belgians have smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old (and therefore no longer work, or work less well).
Therefore, invest in enough smoke detectors to alert you and your family, and let's all act together to reduce the number of fire victims.
More information:
Our prevention tips :https://www.anpi.be/fr/detecteur-de-fumee-domestique
