Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging Sandbach residents to test their smoke alarms- after research shows that only just over a quarter of all households test them regularly.

And they have revealed that you are around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have any working smoke alarms.

The emergency service has issued a reminder this month to all households as part of the "Fire Kills campaign".

They are encouraging residents to check their smoke alarm and to check those in your family who might need assistance.

A spokesman said: "We free home safety visits for people deemed to be at higher risk from fire, such as the elderly and vulnerable.

"For advice on this, you can contact your local fire station or email [email protected].

"As a service, we also urge everyone to check their smoke alarm every week, as part of our #TestItTuesday campaign."

Steve McCormick of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "You're around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have any working smoke alarms.

"However, in 2018/19, only 26 per cent of the people who own an alarm say they take the time to test it at least monthly."

There were 186 fire-related deaths in the home in England, during the year ending March 2021.

"The Fire Kills campaign" hopes that by encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms more deaths could be prevented.

Steve added, "I'd encourage people in Cheshire to make sure you test your smoke alarms today and get into the habit of testing them regularly as they can save you and your family's life.

"In the event of a fire, working smoke alarms will give you the valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999."

To help keep you and your loved ones safe, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offers these simple steps:

• Test your smoke alarms today to ensure they are working and then weekly thereafter.
• Make sure you fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly, even if they're wired into the mains
• Whatever happens, never remove the batteries in your smoke alarms unless you are replacing them. Some require new batteries every year.
• You should replace your smoke detectors every 10 years, regardless of how they are powered.
• Plan and practise an escape route and make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.
• In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
• Offer to help test the smoke alarms of family and friends, if they are unable to test it themselves.

The latest up-to-date advice and information about smoke alarms and home safety is available on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue website.

Need specific advice for your household? You can complete the online Risk Rater app, or call 01606 868700 and ask for the "Prevention Department".