Clocks forward tonight — check those smoke alarms

Close Up Of Hand Testing Domestic Smoke Alarm

Daylight Saving starts this weekend. At 2am tomorrow it will be time to “spring forward” into spring and summer.

Daylight saving starts each year at 2am on the last Sunday in September and ends at 3am on the first Sunday in April.

It is advised to put your clocks forward one hour before going to bed tonight.

Fire and Emergency NZ also reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms work and are in the right place.

“Now is the time to make sure your household has working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway,” FENZ community education manager Adrian Nacey says.

“A fire can be fatal within three minutes and when you are sleeping, you can’t smell smoke.

“Checking your smoke alarms is easy and should be done at least once every six months. Just push the button on each of your smoke alarms for five seconds.

“If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household.

“If your smoke alarm is beeping periodically, it usually means you need to change the battery or replace your alarm.

“It’s also a good idea to clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum cleaner every six months, as dust build-up can cause false alarms.

“Having working smoke alarms in the right places in your home to alert all members of the household as early as possible is the critical first step in escaping a house on fire.”

Fire and Emergency also encourages everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to make sure they have a three-step escape plan in place.

“Your escape plan should include at least two clear paths out of each area and a safe meeting place away from the house for your household to meet.”

To find out more about choosing, installing, and checking your smoke alarms, go to www.escapemyhouse.co.nz/sorted