FIREFIGHTERS in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have urged residents to check their smoke alarms at the same time as changing their clocks this weekend.

The two counties fire and rescue service believes the alarms, which save lives, should also undergo a spring clean to keep them in working order.

"Smoke alarms have been responsible for detecting many of the 60,000 house fires the Fire and Rescue Service are called to each year ... but many of the hundreds of deaths that occur each year could be avoided if smoke alarms had been checked and working," said service spokesman Richard Lawrence.

"Recently, there has been a 30 per cent increase in cases where a smoke alarm didn't work because the battery was disconnected, missing or needed replacing.

"Smoke alarms are inexpensive. They cost less than £5 and are available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets.

"Always make sure they have a "kite mark" and that they are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided." For longer term protection and peace of mind, the service advises fitting 10-year smoke alarms and has released a "to do" list. This advises people to:

n Once a year - change the battery (unless it's a 10-year alarm).

n Once a week - check the alarm by pressing the button.

n Twice a year - vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor chamber.

n Whatever happens - never remove the battery to use it for other purposes.

"We know that smoke alarms save lives," added Mr Lawrence.

"They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly.

"Once fitted, they do require testing and some simple cleaning. Remember that dead batteries can be replaced, but family members cannot."