RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – Daylight-Saving Time ends on Sunday, and many are prepping to set their clocks back by one hour. Fire officials advise residents to use this time to check and replace the batteries in their smoke alarms.

“While many people associate the time change with gaining an extra hour of sleep, it’s also a life-saving reminder,” State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said. “Taking a few minutes to ensure your smoke alarms are working properly could mean the difference between life and death during a fire.”

Nearly 60% of home fire deaths occur in properties with no working smoke alarms or alarms that fail to operate due to missing or dead batteries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Residents can follow these tips

• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarm has a sealed 10-year battery, test it to ensure it is operational.
• Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the “test” button.
• Replace smoke alarms that are over 10 years old, as their sensors can become less reliable.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including basements.

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