[
Fire safety is a very low priority for home movers, who tend to be more concerned with broadband connections than whether their new property has a working smoke alarm, according to a survey by Moveme.com.
Just 4% of those surveyed said testing or installing a smoke alarm was their priority when they moved, compared to contacting energy suppliers (27%), changing locks (21%) and connecting broadband (17%).
The survey also revealed that people believe a smoke alarm costs much more than it really does. 52% thought one costs between GB pound 11 and GB pound 20, while as many as 20% believed it would set them back more than GB pound 20. Basic models retail at around GB pound 5.
“Despite a recent fire safety awareness campaign by the fire service, it seems that most people are still unconcerned about reducing the risks in their own home,” said Jonathan Turpin, chief executive of Moveme.com. “People moving house should make it a top priority to check for working smoke alarms as soon as they arrive, followed by a check of the general electrical safety of the property and assessment of exit routes. While moving home is a hectic experience, it is critical to make fire safety a top priority.”
2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
