London Fire Brigade are giving tenants who rent privately in Richmond the opportunity to collect free smoke alarms.

The emergency services teamed up with Richmond Council earlier this year to distribute around 1,000 free smoke alarms to privately let properties across the borough.

An initiative funded by GLA, privately renting tenants are able to pick up the alarms from libraries in Whitton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond and East Sheen.

Andy Cane, Richmond Fire Borough Commander, said:“Working smoke alarms provide a vital early warning and have proven repeatedly to save lives and greatly reduce the risk of being injured in a fire.

“Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or phone chargers plus any rooms where you smoke.”

The tenants just need to visit the library and provide the address of the property they need alarms for. - one alarm is provided for a single level flat or bungalow or two if it is a house or there is an upstairs level.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and they should be tested regularly,” added the commander.

“In addition to the free smoke alarms for private tenants, all residents including owner occupiers can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit direct from the London Fire Brigade - we are especially keen to hear from older people, those living alone or who have a disability.”

The reminder is also being rolled out to landlord who rent out properties privately – encouraging them to take the necessary precautions.

Cllr Stephen Speak, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “With recent tragic events in mind, we are all aware of the devastating impact of a fire at home.

"Together with the Fire Brigade we want to help Richmond’s private landlords meet their fire safety responsibilities and would urge them to collect free smoke alarms if they haven’t got them installed already.”

To apply for a free Home Fire Safety Visit, go to: www.london-fire.gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit.asp or phone 0800 028 4428.