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Test your smoke alarms as you change your clocks

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Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is urging residents across the two counties to test their smoke alarms as they change their clocks over the weekend of 28 and 29 March.

HWFRS and The Fire Kills campaign are again encouraging people to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this coming clock change weekend. The snappy tagline 'TICK TOCK TEST' will help remind us all of the need to test our smoke alarms at this time of year.

Most people think that a fire will never break out in their homes but you're at least four times more likely to die in a fire in your home if you do not have a working smoke alarm.

A simple push of the 'test' button only takes seconds, so make sure it's added to your spring to-do list as it could save your life and the lives of family, friends and neighbours – especially older people who need help testing. Sadly over half of all people who die in fires in the home are aged 65 or over.

Station Commander, Alan Haley from the Community Risk Department said: "Many householders don't realise that the smoke from a fire in the home is so dangerous that it can leave you for dead. Smoke is responsible for over half of all deaths in accidental dwelling fire. Smoke alarms are a well-proven lifesaving tool, but they are no use if they are not working. You are at least four times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a working smoke alarm, so taking the time to test the smoke alarms in your home could be a truly lifesaving decision".

"The clock change weekend can act as a great reminder to test your smoke alarms – so over the weekend of 28-29 March test yours when you change the clocks".

SC Haley continued 'I would also urge people to test their smoke alarms are working on a weekly basis. If you have any vulnerable friends, family or neighbours, help them to test theirs too. If you require further advice on fire safety or would like to call the Community Risk department to see if you qualify for a free Home Safety Check please call 0800 032 1155.'

He concluded "By pushing the 'test' button on every smoke alarm, you could save the lives of your nearest and dearest – children, parents and friends alike."

Further fire safety advice is available at www.hwfire.org.uk or visit @HWFireSafety

Ends

Issued by Emma Roberts,
Senior Community Risk Administrator
01905 368238.