October Could Save Your Life – Test Smoke Alarms in Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, as part of the national Fire Kills Campaign, is urging people to test their smoke alarms.
Fire statistics show that in 2023/24, where smoke alarms were present, they failed to operate in 25% of fires.

Emma Roberts, Head of Prevention at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“You’re around 12 times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have any working smoke alarms. Making sure you have enough in your home – and that they are working – is vital to ensure they can do their job if you need them.”

Across the UK, there were 180 fire-related deaths in the home in the year ending March 2024. The Fire Kills campaign hopes that by encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms, more deaths can be prevented.

Emma Roberts, added: “I’d encourage people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to make sure you test your smoke alarms today and get into the habit of testing them regularly. They can save your life and your family’s life. In the event of a fire, working smoke alarms will give you the valuable time to get out, stay out, and call 999.”

Simple Steps to Stay Safe this October in Herefordshire and Worcestershire 

  • Test your smoke alarms now or as soon as you get home.
  • Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly, even if they are wired into the mains.
  • Never remove the batteries unless you are replacing them. Some alarms require new batteries every year.
  • Plan and practise an escape route and make sure that everyone in your home knows it.
  • In the event of a fire, get out, stay out, and call 999.
  • Test the smoke alarms of others who may not be able to test their own.

Free Home Fire Safety Support in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

  • Anyone in Herefordshire or Worcestershire who thinks they might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit can call the HWFRS Prevention Team on 0800 032 1155.

So please, residents of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, take a minute this October to test your smoke alarms. 
That small action could protect your home and everyone in it.