The TICK. TOCK. TEST campaign is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government in partnership with England’s fire and rescue services, and is supported by the British Beer & Pub Association this year.
Last year 70% of the 197 people who died in fires in the home were not alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm. The campaign is urging publicans to remind their customers to “make good use of the extra hour” by taking the opportunity to test their smoke alarms and encourage others to do the same.
Life-saving
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Smoke alarm testing is something that can very easily slip your mind, but this simple act could very easily save your life. That is why we are proud to be supporting the campaign, helping to spread the message to publicans and their customers.
“The clock change weekend can act as a great reminder to test your smoke alarms – so make sure you do when you change all your clocks. Remember - tick, tock, test!”
Community duty
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis, who is also the Community Pubs Minister, welcomed the support of the BBPA.
“I’m delighted that the BBPA is supporting the new campaign and helping us to reach as many people as we can with this life saving message.
“Our pubs have a trusted role in their communities and I encourage all publicans to get behind TICK. TOCK TEST by encouraging customers, friends and family to test their smoke alarms on clock change weekend. You are four times more likely to die in a fire in your home if there is no working smoke alarm. By simply pressing a button you could be giving yourself the vital time to escape a house fire.”