WYRE Forest residents are being urged to make testing their smoke alarms each month their new year’s resolution.

In 2014, almost 50 per cent of all cases where alarms did not give warning of a house fire the reason was because the devices were located too far away to detect the smoke, another major cause was missing or flat batteries.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has also advised people who live in a multi-storey home or a larger property that a single smoke alarm is not enough.

The service said residents should check smoke alarms are less than 10 years old and test them by pushing the button every month.

Station Commander Alan Haley said: “At this time of year, many people will be thinking of what they can do – big or small – to make a fresh start and improve their lives, homes and wellbeing.

“A smoke alarm can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget – they don’t know if it 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 every week.”

For more information visit hwfire.org.uk