The Columbus Fire Department reminds residents to change your smoke alarm batteries as you set your clocks for the beginning of daylight savings time this Sunday. Daylight savings time will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday. At that time, clocks should be sprung forward to 3 a.m. Capt. Mike Wilson, department spokesman, says this is a great time for families to review fire safety planning and inspect or replace smoke alarms in the home. CFD recommends that smoke alarm batteries be replaced twice a year, while alarms should be tested once a month.

“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.”

Wilson says that firefighters recommend that you inspect all of your smoke alarms this weekend and ensure that they are in working order. He adds that smoke alarms that were manufactured 10 or more years ago, should be replaced. Authorities say that a smoke alarm’s manufacture date is typically found on the back of the device.

In addition to protecting your family through the use of smoke alarms, CFD officials recommend reviewing your home fire escape plan with your family. 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 are encouraged to contact the Columbus Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at (812) 376-2584, or visit the Columbus Fire Department website: columbus.in.gov/fire/.