'Make fire safety your resolution' says Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue are asking local people to put fire safety first and check smoke alarms in the household. 

Smoke alarms need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly to alert people of a fire. 

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also recommend larger properties to have more than one smoke alarm in the home. 

It has been reported by the service that last year almost half of household fires had an alarm that did not alert people of a fire because the alarm was not close enough to detect the blaze. 

Watch Manager Neil Chamberlain from the Community Safety Department said: "New Year is a time for resolutions when we all try and commit to something that will improve our health or well-being. We know that most homes have smoke alarms fitted, but it is vital that they are checked weekly to ensure they provide the protection needed."

How to keep your smoke alarm up to date 

•    Check the alarm weekly by pressing the test button

•    The packaging for the smoke alarm will tell you if the alarm is up to date

•    One smoke alarm should be allocated downstairs and upstairs of the property

•    Smoke alarms should be located in hallways and areas where there is a potential fire hazard (electrical sockets for example).

Smoke alarms can be effective for up to ten years.