Clocks go back one hour on Sunday morning. 

Bendigo Country Fire Authority senior station officer Tim Fitzgerald said smoke alarms saved lives.

"They alert the occupants of a house that there is something amiss, whether there is smoke or a fire, or something has gone astray," he said. 

"It is an early warning device for people." 

Mr Fitzgerald said people should check their smoke alarms are in a good-working condition. 

"You change the batteries, close the lid and push the button to make sure it works," he said.  

"If it beeps then you know it works." 

Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/installation-and-replacement/ for information about installing and maintaining smoke alarms.