"Most smoke alarms will simply disconnect from their ceiling mount by a small little twist left or right. The alarm type will be on a sticker or moulded into the plastic as text on the rear of the alarm.
"While looking at that, it's a good idea to also look at the expiry date of the alarm which will also be printed on the rear. If in doubt, replace your alarm with a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm.
"Remember to test your smoke alarm when you reconnect it to the mounting bracket by pushing the test button."
Nesbit said people who struggled to reach their smoke alarm because of age or disability, or who would like general assistance, should call their local fire station.
"Fires can become unsurvivable in less than five minutes so working smoke alarms provide you with early warning should a fire start in your home," she said.
"This allows time for people to safely evacuate while they can."
People were advised not to remove working ionisation alarms but to also fit photoelectric models, at least in hallways and escape routes.