An England Women Rugby Team player Shaunagh Brown has teamed up with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to encourage sports fans to think about testing their smoke alarms this season.

28-year-old, Shaunagh, who has played 4 caps for the England Women team, is also a firefighter based in Chatham and stars in a new 24-second video for the KFRS.

She is shown in the film in both her England kit and fire gear as she is lifted, line-out style, by two of her fellow firefighters, Jody Morgan and Aaron Tongue, to push the button on a smoke alarm.

The aim of the film, which is presented with a light-hearted, sports-style commentary, urges people to ‘lift their game’ and try out their smoke alarms each week, to make sure they have early warning in the event of a fire.

The video, which is being shown across KFRS social media channels (@kentfirerescue), is designed to appeal to households who may not necessarily notice the standard smoke alarm testing campaign messaging, but who follow sporting fixtures.

It is essential that households check that their smoke alarms are correctly positioned and get in to the habit of testing the batteries, to ensure they will work when they are needed.

Shaunagh, who was recently selected in the England squad for the Quilter International matches, said: “In sporting events we take preparation seriously for the best possible outcome, so when it comes to fire safety it makes sense to have a game plan too.

“We are hoping that the video will prompt more people to get in to the habit of checking their smoke alarms regularly, preferably every week. An extra few minutes warning could really save your life and that of your family, as well as help minimise the damage to your home in the event of a fire.”

KFRS offers plenty of guidance about smoke alarms and also provides free safe and well visits to residents, where needed, so get in touch today if you need support.