THOMASVILLE — Daylight savings time will begin Sunday, March 14 at 2 a.m. Thomasville Fire Rescue advises residents to check their smoke alarms and change the batteries twice each year in line with Daylight Savings Time.

“This weekend as we set our clocks forward one hour we encourage citizens to check their smoke alarms, ensure they are operating correctly, and change their batteries,” said TFR Fire Chief Tim Connell. “Protecting the lives of your loved ones against home fires can be as simple as assuring that your smoke alarms are functioning properly.”

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. 

“Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms,” said Chief Connell. “We remind everyone that all homes should have working smoke alarms on every floor. You should also have smoke alarms in every bedroom and the hallway outside of each sleeping area.”

Connell says that TFR began a program several years ago that offers free installation of smoke alarms to residents of Thomasville.

 “On an annual basis, TFR installs and inspects hundreds of smoke alarms in citizens’ homes,” said Chief Connell. “Our smoke alarm program is a free resource that we are thankful is widely used by our community. All a citizen has to do to participate is give us a call at (229) 227-4099 to schedule their appointment.”

TFR recommends the following general maintenance tips.

Smoke alarm powered by a nine-volt battery:

• Test the alarm monthly.

• Replace the batteries at least once every year.

• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery:

• Test the alarm monthly.

• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to

the manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home’s electrical system:

• Test the alarm monthly.

• Replace the backup battery at least once every year.

• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

“We are asking the community to help us to prevent injury and loss of life,” Chief Connell said. “Let’s work together to ensure there are working smoke detectors in every home because every life is important. Remember: whenever it is time to change your clocks, always change your smoke alarm batteries.”

TFR provides Thomasville residents free home smoke alarm inspections and installations. For more information, visit Thomasville.org or call (229) 227-4099.