Fire and Emergency New Zealand reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms when daylight saving ends this weekend.

Daylight saving ends at 3am on Sunday April 3 when clocks go back an hour.

National manager community readiness and recovery Steve Turek said daylight saving was a good time to remind people to check their smoke alarms were working.

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

"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 cannot detect smoke through closed doors, so it is 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.

In a house fire you have less than three minutes to get out alive so the early warning from your smoke alarm is vital.

The thick black smoke, which makes it hard to see, hear and think clearly, will also kill you.

"That’s why it’s also important to have an escape plan so you can get to safety quickly," Steve said.

"Making an escape plan takes just three steps. One - plan your main escape route. Two - plan a second escape route in case your normal exit is blocked. And, three - agree on a safe meeting place for you and your household which is safely away from the house.

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

Advice on the number of smoke alarms you need is online at Fire and Emergency, including maps such as this. PHOTO: Supplied

Smokey the smoke alarm is here to help you. See Smokey’s tips for how to look after your smoke alarms at https://escapemyhouse.co.nz/sorted.

Make your three-step escape plan at www.escapemyhouse.co.nz

In other Fire and Emergency New Zealand news, all fire permits in Central Otago were suspended on March 30 due to the heightened fire danger.

District manager Phil Marsh said all campers and hunters need to be particularly careful with gas cookers.

Prolonged dry weather has raised the risk from outdoor fires and there is no significant rain forecast for at least the next 10 days.

"Any small mishap could have catastrophic consequences," he said.

The suspension of permits in Central, Clutha and Lakes zones will be reviewed on April 11.