Firefighters are urging householders to check or install smoke alarms as daylight saving ends tomorrow.
The New Zealand Fire Service attends about 3800 house fires every year, and in more than 80% of those fires, smoke alarms were not installed or not working.
''Working smoke alarms give occupants the early warning they need to get out of a building safely in the event of a fire,'' East Otago-Southland fire risk management officer Cathy Trevathan said.
Residents should clean and test their smoke alarms once a month, by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, small insects or spider webs.
At the same time the smoke alarm is cleaned, people should push the test button to ensure the smoke alarm is in good working order.
For the best smoke detection, the Fire Service recommends photo-electric smoke alarms on the ceiling in every bedroom, living area and hallway in the house - on every level.
''Working smoke alarms save lives. It's as simple as that.''
