Time to Fall Back and Check Your Smoke Alarms

We will revert to Standard Time on Sun., Nov. 4. Time will fall back at 2 a.m. When you change your clock, remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths in 2005-2009 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.
• When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. Almost one-quarter of the smoke alarm failures was due to dead batteries.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Always follow the smoke alarm manufacturer’s instructions regarding battery replacement.

Editor's note: This was prepared by Denell Boyd of Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services.