Use daylight saving time as a reminderto replace alarm batteries 

When setting clocksforward an hour this Sunday, March 11 to mark the start of daylight saving time,the Forsyth County Fire Department advises residents to also change thebatteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

The Forsyth County FireDepartment suggests that if the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsare serviceable, they should be changed every six to twelve months.

“An easy way to rememberwhen it’s time to change batteries in both devices is to associate it withchanging clocks for daylight saving time,” said Division Chief Jason Shivers. “Simplytaking a few minutes twice a year to replace batteries and test alarms could bea life saver for families, so we encourage everyone to ensure their alarms arein full working order.”

Prior to replacing alarmbatteries, review the recommendations provided by the unit’s manufacturer, andreplace the units themselves every seven to ten years. It’s also important totest the alarms at least once a month by pressing the TEST button.

TheFire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions: 

•           Install a smoke alarm on every levelof the home

•           Ensure smoke alarms are clean andfree of dust

•           Dial 911 in case of any emergency

TheFire Department’s Public Safety Education Division provides battery-poweredsmoke alarms free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need. Toreceive more details about this program, contact the Forsyth County FireDepartment at (770) 205-5699 or publiceducation@forsythco.com.