Daylight Savings Time comes to an end this weekend and the Columbus Fire Department says this is a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke detector. Daylight savings time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Clocks will be turned back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.

CFD says this is a great time to take a simple step that can protect lives and property. “Smoke alarms are an inexpensive tool for early fire detection that every home should have,” says Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton. “Working smoke alarms, coupled with an emergency escape plan, increases the chances of surviving a fire in the home.”

The Columbus Fire Department recommends that all residents inspect their smoke alarms this weekend and ensure that they are in working order. They say that alarms that are older than 10 years should be replaced. A smoke alarm manufacture date is typically found on the back of the unit. Authorities say this is also the ideal time of year to replace the batteries in all smoke alarms as, residential fires increase during the winter months.

In addition to protecting your family through the use of smoke alarms, the Columbus Fire Department recommends reviewing your home fire escape plan with family members. All family members should be aware of what to do if a fire breaks out in the home. If you need assistance in creating a home fire escape plan, or need assistance with smoke alarms, you should contact the Columbus Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at (812) 376-2584, or visit the Columbus Fire Department website at columbus.in.gov/fire/.