COPELAND residents have been warned to fit smoke alarms on ALL levels of their home.

Latest fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide people with the best chance of escaping a fire in their property.

And now Cumbria County Council Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to fit smoke alarms throughout their homes.

“It’s vital we make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places,” said Mark Ducie, community safety manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. “If your whole home isn’t covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need.

“You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. And placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.''

The ideal position for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing. It is also worth considering fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas.

For more information, contact Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 3584777, go online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/cumbriafire