Dancing star steps into the firing line for charity (From Warrington Guardian)

Dancing star steps into the firing line for charity

11:40am Sunday 8th November 2009

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TO launch the latest ‘Fire Kills’ campaign, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and actress Jill Halfpenny have come together to encourage a change in the public perception of fire safety.

At the London launch of the national ‘Don’t Drown in Toxic Smoke’ campaign, the former Strictly Come Dancing winner was placed in a simulated unit designed to imitate a smoky environment, and was subsequently tested on how long it took her to ‘escape’.

She said: “As a mum I am very conscious of trying to keep my home as safe as possible to reduce the risks from fire.

“The fact is that fires can and do happen, so it’s important to check your smoke alarm weekly and to be aware of the dangers.

“Ignorance is definitely not bliss when it comes to keeping your family safe.”

Phil Hales, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of community safety, said: “Toxic smoke from a fire will affect your ability to breathe in a similar way to drowning – after just two to three breaths you’re unconscious.

“The only way to buy more precious seconds is by having a working smoking alarm.

“Owning a smoke alarm and hoping that it works is not enough to protect your home and loved ones, you need to test it weekly and make sure both you and your family know how to escape should a fire break out.”

For more info, visit cheshirefire.gov.uk, where you can also book a free home safety assessment.

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