Time to change your clock, smoke alarm batteries

GAINESVILLE - As we move back (one hour at 2:00 Sunday morning) to Standard Time, Hall County Fire Services encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.

Every day in the U.S., needless home fire deaths occur and working smoke alarms significantly increase your chance of surviving a deadly home fire, according to the experts. Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for smoke.

Some smoke alarms today use long life lithium batteries that may not need to be replaced. Others require alkaline 9 volt batteries that should be replaced if they are a year old. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and replaced if they are older than ten years or not working properly.

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, Hall County Fire Services recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:

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