The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS reminds people as they spring their clocks one hour forward this weekend to also change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Changing smoke alarm batteries twice a year when you change your clocks is one of the most simple and effective ways to reduce deaths and injuries associated with home fires. In fact, a working smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving in the event of a house fire.

Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector manufacturers recommend that you replace your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years. Over time the sensors may get clogged with dust and cause the alarm or detector to not activate during an emergency.

Currently on the market are 10 year smoke alarms that have a sealed lithium battery. At the end of the 10 years you just simply replace the entire alarm or detector. However with this type of alarm or detector it is still recommended to at least test the alarm or detector when you change your clocks twice a year to ensure it is working properly.

If you live within the community we respond to and need help changing batteries or are in need of a working smoke detector, please contact the station at 301-259-4258 or Email FirePrevention@civfd.com