FIRE chiefs say they have growing concerns about the number of smoke alarms without batteries in homes.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has fitted more than 78,000 smoke alarms in homes throughout Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Stockton.
Firefighters who attend house fires often find that although there is a smoke alarm, quite often the batteries have been removed or need to be replaced.
Frank Sweeney, Grangetown station manager, said: "Smoke alarms have proven to be life savers on numerous occasions.
"Removing the battery turns the smoke alarm in to an ugly ceiling ornament serving no purpose.
"You should place the suction hose of your vacuum near the vents to remove any dust once a month and replace the battery if it isn't a ten-year one.
"If you are having problems with your detector, then if you contact us on (01429) 874063, we can arrange for your alarm to be replaced with a hush alarm that can be silenced with the push of a button as part of a home fire safety check. These alarms also have a ten-year life battery."
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