WITH the clocks going back on Sunday, Suffolk residents are now being urged to make some essential fire safety checks in their homes. Tomorrow has been designated 'Change the Battery Day' in Suffolk and all residents are urged to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks.

WITH the clocks going back on Sunday, Suffolk residents are now being urged to make some essential fire safety checks in their homes.

Tomorrow has been designated 'Change the Battery Day' in Suffolk and all residents are urged to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks.

Peter Monk, member of the county council's executive committee, said: "With winter approaching this is the ideal time to make these vital checks. Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every floor and more importantly make sure it works. In Britain around 270 people are killed each year in homes without smoke alarms and shockingly 70 people in the past five years have died because of flat or missing batteries."

Graham Smith, assistant chief fire officer, said: "With the first fire strike due next week, it's never been more important to look again at fire safety in the home. We all have to be extra vigilant to potential dangers. Smoke is a real killer and installing a smoke alarm could make the difference between life and death. Remember that if your smoke alarm battery is dead, then you could be too.

"A smoke alarm can cost as little as £3.99 and only takes a few minutes to install. If you look after your alarm it will look after you. Test it once a week and replace the battery once a year."