AN early alert from a working smoke alarm really can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire, so Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is urging residents to adopt ‘Test it Tuesday’ as one of their new year resolutions.

‘Test it Tuesday’ is a national initiative encouraging householders to get into the habit of testing their smoke alarms on a weekly basis.

Station commander Alan Haley from HWFRS’s community safety department, said: “Quite simply, smoke alarms save lives and so we are recommending that testing smoke alarms is high on everyone’s list of priorities in the new year.

“Giving up smoking, losing weight or doing more exercise may be the more common new year resolutions but testing your smoke alarm regularly will give you peace of mind and will also protect you and your family.”

He added: “It’s also important to think of your older friends, family members and neighbours. They may need more time than most to escape in the event of a fire in their home, so please take a moment to help them test their smoke alarms too.”

He also reminded people that the batteries in their smoke alarms should be changed annually.

HWFRS sends out a ‘Test it Tuesday’ message every week via Twitter www.twitter.com/HWFire and on Facebook at facebook.com/HWFire.