Special to IFN

As North Carolinians prepare to turn back their clocks one hour this weekend for the end of Daylight-Saving Time, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is encouraging everyone to use this opportunity to test smoke alarms and replace their batteries — or better yet, upgrade to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a sealed 10-year battery.

“Working smoke alarms save lives, and this is one of the simplest habits you can keep to protect your family,” said Brian Taylor, state fire marshal. “If you’re already resetting your clocks, take a few extra minutes to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.”

The national “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” campaign serves as an important reminder that properly maintained alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

The Office of State Fire Marshal encourages residents to:
• Upgrade to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a sealed 10-year battery.
• Test each alarm monthly using the test button.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room.