Each year at the end of daylight savings time, firefighters encourage NSW residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks.

Fire and Rescue NSW’s, Station Officer Neil Lawler, said last year marked the 10th anniversary of smoke alarm legislation in NSW.

“Due to dust, humidity and age, smoke alarms need to be replaced at least every 10 years,” he said.

“When householders turn their clocks back at the end of daylight saving we are also urging them to check whether their smoke alarms have reached their use-by date and, if they have, to replace them.

“If your smoke alarm is less than 10 years old, it is still an opportune time to test it is working properly and change the batteries if it is battery-powered.”

Cessnock Station Officer Lawler said only working smoke alarms help save lives.

“A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke,” he said.

“A working smoke alarm gives you vital seconds to get out before you’re overcome.

“Stay out of harm, replace any out-dated smoke alarms and re-alarm your home against fire ahead of winter.”

Daylight savings time will resume in NSW on Sunday, October 1 at 2am, when clocks will go forward one hour.