Otago residents are being reminded to check or install smoke alarms in their homes, to coincide with daylight saving.
Firefighters have urged residents to take the time to ensure they have working alarms installed.
''Now is a good time to check or install smoke alarms in homes and flats,'' East Otago fire risk management officer Michael Harrison said.
The New Zealand Fire Service attended about 3800 house fires each year. In more than 80% of those fires, smoke alarms were either not installed or not working, he said.
''Most fire fatalities occur in homes while people are sleeping.
''The smell of smoke won't wake you up. Working smoke alarms give occupants the early warning they need to get out of a building safely in the event of a fire.''
Smoke alarms needed to be cleaned and tested monthly, he said. Dust, small insects and spider webs could affect the performance of smoke alarms.
When people cleaned a smoke alarm, they should push the test button to ensure it worked, Mr Harrison said.
''If you don't have long-life smoke alarms, you need to change the battery at least once a year. Changing smoke alarm batteries at the start or end of daylight savings is a good way to remember when its due.''
For the best smoke detection, the Fire Service recommended photo-electric smoke alarms be installed on the ceiling in every bedroom, living area and hallway on every level within a house.
''Far too often, firefighters see the tragic results of fires that have started in homes without working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms save lives.''
Daylight saving will begin tomorrow.
