AS the clocks go back this weekend, Cheshire Fire chiefs are urging residents to test their smoke alarms are working.
Last year more than half of the 213 fire deaths in the home were caused by smoke inhalation with smoke alarms either absent or not working in the majority of fatal house fires.
Staff are urging homeowners to push the test button and help any elderly residents test theirs too.
Keith Brooks, head of prevention and protection, said: "Smoke alarms are a well-proven lifesaving tool but they are no use if they are not working.
"You are at least four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm, so taking the time to test the smoke alarms in your home could be a truly lifesaving decision.”
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