APATHY can kill so check your smoke alarm now, says a Kent MP in a stark message.

Steve Ladyman, who represents South Thanet, is urging householders to "pull your finger out" in support of the Government’s new Fire Kills campaign.

Mr Ladyman is stressing that the few minutes spent checking a smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death.

General apathy has been given as a main reason for many people failing to take the simple precaution.

Although 80 per cent of homes in England have an alarm, a new survey for the campaign shows four in five polled do not follow advice to carry out weekly alarm checks.

One in three smoke alarms fails to operate in fires, mainly due to missing of non-working batteries. Not checking alarms regularly puts loved ones and homes at risk.

The Pull Your Finger Out national advertising campaign, fronted by Julie Walters, will run to early March.

Mr Ladyman said: "Although fires in the home are thankfully rare, we can all help to ensure we are not victims of tragedy by fitting a smoke alarm and checking it weekly.

Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda said: "Unless a smoke alarm is regularly maintained it could be rendered useless in the event of fire. Maintenance takes mments and is a simple precaution that can save lives."

Stay safe and abide by the following five potentially life-saving tips:

* Fit a smoke alarm on each floor as early warning is vital. Replace battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years or consider fitting a mains powered alarm.

* Test alarms weekly. Working alarms buy time.

* Plan an escape route and ensure family members know the quickest route out in case of fire. Consider an alternative in case the usual one is blocked.

* Stay safe in the kitchen where most house fires start. Always check electrical appliances are switched off and never leave cooking unattended.

* Ask the experts at Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. Find out more at www.fire.gov.uk.