It’s that time again. Daylight saving time (DST) starts Sunday. Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks.
“The annual change to daylight saving time is the perfect opportunity to make sure your smoke alarms are working properly,” Hudgens says. “Changing the batteries in each device is the easiest way to ensure continued protection of your family and property.”
In 2016, approximately 106 residential fires in Georgia resulted in 141 deaths. Of those fires, 96 of the homes did not have a working smoke alarm. This year, 22 Georgians have died in 18 residential fires, with only two of the homes having a working smoke alarm.
Commissioner Hudgens encourages all residents to test and clean dust from the smoke alarms monthly. He also recommends that you plan and practice an escape route to the outside of you home in the event of a fire.
Daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., so be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.
