Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is reminding everyone to check their smoke alarms tonight as the clocks change for the end of daylight savings .

Clocks will go back by an hour tomorrow (Sunday April 3) - meaning an extra hours sleep-in and earlier nightfall going forward - and FENA National Manager (community and readiness and recovery) Steve Yurek says the changing of the clocks is also a good time for households to check their smoke alarms are working..

"When you look after your smoke alarms, they look after you." Steve said. "Checking is easy and should actually be done once a month.

"Just push the button on each of your smoke alarms. If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household,

Smoke alarms can't detect smoke through closed doors, so it's important there are enough smoke alarms installed to cover the whole house

We recommend you have an alarm in every bedroom, living area and hallway," Steve said.

He said it was also important to have an escape plan to get to safety quickly.

"Taking a few minutes this daylight saving weekend to do these simple things could save your life and those of your family.

The change of the clocks also serves as a good reminder about winter fire safety as the colder month approach.

Information about how to ensure your fireplaces, heaters, electric blankets and other winter essentials are fire-safe can be found safety https://www.fireandemergency.nz