GB-Witham: Measurement of Smoke Alarm Ownership in Essex

Essex Fire Authority has made a commitment to ensure that every household in Essex is fitted with a working smoke alarm. The Authority has invested significant resources in home fire safety which has resulted in the fitting of tens of thousands of smoke alarms in the households it visits. With approximately 800,000 households in Essex and an estimated ownership rate of 88% the Authority acknowledges the overwhelming majority are not fitted by the Authority. In order to make progress towards our commitment the Authority requires a better understanding of smoke alarm ownership in Essex. The Authority requires quantitative research to be undertaken to provide: (a) An understanding of the current rate of smoke alarm ownership in Essex. (b) A method for tracking the rate of smoke alarm ownership in Essex for the next 3 years. (c) Information on the types of people who do not currently have smoke alarms fitted in their houses which can inform the Authority's marketing and targeting of activity in the most effective way.