FIRE chiefs have launched a campaign for people to check their smoke alarms work - and help save their lives.

Greater Manchester Fire Service unveiled their campaign Push the Button! Not Your Luck! after research found that many smoke alarms which people own do not work. Fire statistics showed that although 80 per cent of people in the region own an alarm many do not function due to flat or missing batteries.

Last year, almost 20 per cent of smoke alarms failed to work in accidental domestic fires - and almost 45 per cent of those did not operate because of a flat or missing battery.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "Previous fire safety campaigns have been very successful in increasing the number of smoke alarms in people's homes. However, a smoke alarm is useless if it is not in working order. It is imperative that people check their smoke alarms regularly.

"Nuisance alarms needn't go off if they are situated correctly. And never, ever remove batteries for use in other electrical appliances."

Fire chiefs have issued this advice for people who own fire alarms.

Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home

Check the battery once a week

Replace the battery every twelve months

Battery smoke alarm units should be replaced every ten years

Consider installing ten year smoke alarms or hard wired alarms

Do not put smoke alarms in the kitchen

Anyone interested in getting further safety advice can click on to www.firekills.gov.uk for further information about smoke alarm maintenance and fire safety advice.