It’s that time of year again to set clocks back an hour as Daylight Saving Time ends.
It’s also the time fire departments remind homeowners it’s time to change smoke alarm batteries.
Clocks are to be officially turned back at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 6, but turning them back before going to bed Saturday night is the common practice for most folks.
The result will be an hour less of daylight at the end of every day.
Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas says the time is a reminder to change smoke alarm batteries and make sure smoke alarms are working properly.
“Smoke alarms save lives, but only when they’re working,” Thomas said last week.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home and in every sleeping area.
The National Fire Prevention Association says three of every five fire deaths result from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or alarms that are not working.
Thomas said the alarms should be tested monthly, batteries changed every year, and smoke alarms that are more than ten years old should be replaced.
The fire chief also said homeowners should pay attention to “chirping” smoke alarms, which indicate it’s time to replace batteries.
Thomas said everyone should recognize the sound of the smoke alarms in their homes and what to do when the alarm sounds.
Thomas also encouraged homeowners to do a fire prevention safety check when the time change announces cooler weather and the fast approaching winter months.
For instance, he said fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked to make sure they are in working order.
Make sure chimneys are clean before starting fires in fireplaces and wood heaters.
With space heaters being put back in use, make sure they are at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and check their electric cords to make sure they are not frayed or worn out.
When cooking, Thomas says someone should always stay in the kitchen when food is being fried or broiled.
And always keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, and preferably in a locked cabinet.