A timely reminder to all Blog readers that British Summer Time (BST) officially ends this weekend, resulting in clocks going back an hour on Sunday 27 October.

BST traditionally ends on the final Sunday in October. So clocks go back an hour at 2am on Sunday, October 27, 2013, when BST ends and Preston reverts to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

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The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Preston Police would like to remind readers about important campaigns at this time of year.

Lancashire Firefighters would also like to remind everyone as part of their Fire Kills campaign, to adopting the ‘TICK TOCK TEST’, a campaign to encourage people to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks.

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work. So check them tonight. With 197 people dying in fires in the home last year, and over 70% not being alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm, it is essential that people test their smoke alarms regularly.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel said:
“Tick, Tock, Test is straight talking, easy to remember and intrinsically 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. Whether the battery is flat, has been used for a kid’s toy or the connection is loose, everyone should take the time to test. And, as over half the people who died in home fires last year were 65 years old or above, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for 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 – children, parents and friends alike.”

Preston Police officers are also urging residents to lock up to keep burglars out in line with clocks going back on Sunday.

The advice comes as part of Operation Julius, the countrywide burglary crackdown and due to nights going darker sooner in the run up to Christmas.

Superintendent Damian Darcy said: “We tend to see a rise in burglaries at this time with the darker nights and opportunist thieves knowing that people are starting to buy Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

“Whilst this is something we all do and should continue to do, I would advise people to take precautions and do your best to keep the burglars out by ensuring that all your doors and windows are secure and locked, when you aren’t in the room as these are open invites to thieves.”