Risky movers put fire safety at bottom of the list

Fire safety is a shockingly low priority for home movers, who are more concerned with installing broadband than checking their new property for a working smoke alarm which could save their lives, a new survey by Moveme.com reveals.

A worrying 71% of movers admitted that the last time they moved home, they failed to check the smoke alarm or can't remember doing so, with only 9% going to the trouble of testing or installing smoke alarms in the property as soon as they move in. Of those people who do have smoke alarms installed, only 10% check them weekly, as recommended by the Fire Service. Fire deaths rose by 8% to 500 in 2008 according to the latest figures from the CLG.

Moveme.com's survey also discovered that consumers are unaware of the low cost of a smoke alarm, which typically costs around £5, with the majority of those polled (52%) thinking it costs between £11 and £20 and a surprising 20% believing a smoke alarm would set them back more than £20.

Jonathan Turpin, Chief Executive of Moveme.com, comments on the findings:

"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. 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.

"The average three-bedroom home should have a minimum of two smoke alarms, which must be tested weekly and have their batteries replaced every year. While moving home is a hectic experience, it is critical to make fire safety a top priority."

For a useful, free to use MovePlanner, go to moveme.com.