Check your smoke alarms when you put your clocks back this Saturday - that's the timely advice from West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Roger Wood , Head of Community Fire Station, said: "Smoke alarms have been responsible for detecting many of the 60,000 house fires the Fire and Rescue Service are called to each year nationwide. However, many of the hundreds of deaths that continue to occur could be avoided if the smoke alarm had been looked after properly.

"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, from less than £5, and are available in DIY stores and at many supermarkets. Always make sure that they meet the BS5446 Part 1 , have a 'KITEMARK' and are fitted in accordance with the instructions provided.

"For greater protection and peace of mind we would recommend fitting 10-year alarms."

Looking after your smoke alarm couldn't be easier, said Roger.

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

"Once a year - change your battery (unless it is a 10-year alarm).

"Twice a year - vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor chamber (for mains wired alarms, switch off first).

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

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said; "We know that smoke alarms save lives. 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 our firefighters to get to you more quickly. "But once fitted they do require testing. So, don't take a chance, don't remove the batteries and do follow the advice from the people who know - it'll cost you a couple of minutes, but it could well save lives."