BASINGSTOKE residents are being encouraged to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to check their alarms as part of UK Home Safety Week, which runs until Sunday.

The service has launched a campaign- Tick, Tock, Test- to remind people to carry out the potentially life-saving tests this weekend.

Basingstoke station manager Jim Clarke said: “Tick, Tock, Test is straight talking, easy to remember and links clock change weekend to testing your smoke alarm.

“Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking, but it’s not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order.”

Nationwide last year, 211 people died in house fires and more than 70 per cent of them were not alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm.

Mr Clarke said: “Whether the battery is flat, has been removed or a connection is loose, everyone should take the time to test.

“Sunday is also Mother’s Day and as over half the people who died in home fires last year were 65 years or over, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for your mother, grandmother or indeed any older relatives who might find it hard to reach their alarms, but are at greater risk.

“By pushing the ‘test’ button on every smoke alarm, you could save the lives of your nearest and dearest.”