Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens wants to remind Georgians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms located in their homes outside all sleeping rooms.  At the same time, they should change their clocks for daylight saving on Sunday, March 11. 

Hudgens said the annual change from standard time to daylight saving time is a good opportunity to make sure your smoke alarm is working properly. Georgia Law requires a smoke alarm to be mounted on the ceiling or wall at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each group of rooms used for sleeping purposes. Where the dwelling or dwelling unit contains more than one story, smoke alarms are required on each story including cellars and basements, but not including uninhabitable attics. 

“Every year in Georgia, there are fire fatalities in homes where smoke alarms were not installed, or where the alarms did not function because batteries were not installed or replaced based upon information gathered through the fire investigation,” Hudgens said. “If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it is in working order if not for your own safety for the safety of the rest of your family. Changing the battery twice a year and cleaning dust from the device are easy ways to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home.” 

Hudgens also recommended changing batteries in flashlights and weather radios, and having an emergency plan in case of severe weather. 

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m. when clocks are set ahead one hour.