This week marks Home Fire Safety Week and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is joining with other Fire and Rescue Services across theUKto remind the public of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

Staff from the Service are out and about across the region this week promoting the importance of fire safety in the home.

Terry Williams, Head of Community Safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This week is a great time for all residents in North Wales to check that their homes are as safe from fire as possible and that working smoke alarms are fitted on every level of your home -you are four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there is no working smoke alarm."

"North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks where a member of the Service will visit your home to undertake a fire safety assessment and provide advice, and if necessary, provide and fit a new smoke alarm free of charge.

"To request a check, phone our 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234 or contact us on www.freesmokealarm.co.uk."

Paul Fuller, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA), added: "Those few extra minutes that the smoke alarm gives you, can let you get out to safety if there is a fire in your home."

Advice on smoke alarms:

Have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home

NWFRS recommends that every home should have a smoke alarm, and if you live in a home on two or more levels, you should have a smoke alarm on each level. Fit one alarm on the ground floor, and additional alarms on each landing. Make sure that the smoke alarm is placed where you can hear it - even through a closed door.

Test your smoke alarm on a weekly basis

A working smoke alarm is a vital piece of life-saving equipment for your home. Make it a regular part of your weekly or monthly routine to check that your smoke alarm is working, by pressing the test button.

Choose the right smoke alarm for your needs

Smoke alarms are an inexpensive way to improve safety in your home. NWFRS currently installs optical smoke alarms, which are thermally enhanced and better at detecting a broader range of fires, and are less prone to false alarms.

Take care of your smoke alarm

Look after your smoke alarm and it will look out for you - a little regular maintenance, taking no more than a few minutes will help to keep your smoke alarm working to protect you. Every six months, give your smoke alarm a little simple cleaning, in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

Special requirements

If you need advice on specialist alarms - for people with hearing impairment, for example - contact NWFRS for help and advice.