DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking people to make monthly testing of smoke alarms one of their New Year’s resolutions, as only a few seconds can save lives.

They are encouraging home owners to make sure they have enough smoke alarms and that they all work.

While the majority of homes now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm lasts ten years before it needs to be replaced, and there should be at least one alarm on each level of the home.

Last year, in nearly half of all fires in the home where the smoke alarm did not give a warning, the reason was the alarm was no close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat batteries were another major cause.

Safe & well manager Vikki Thomas said: “Many people will be thinking of what they can do to make a fresh start and improve their lives.

“Smoke alarms can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget and don’t know if the unit might be coming to the end of its lifespan or not working at all.

“For most of us, there is nothing more important than keeping our loved ones safe and secure. So if your alarm is getting past its best or your top floor is missing an alarm of its own, make your New Year’s resolution to fit new ones and test them on the first [day] of every month.”

For more information on maintaining fire safety in your home, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-at-home.