Office of State Fire Commissioner reminds you to check your batteries when you change your clock

The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner wants to remind everyone to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you turn your clocks forward this weekend.

State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann says, "Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, but they're only effective when they're working properly.  It only takes a few minutes, but it can save you from a lifetime of heartache should a fire destroy your property of claim the life of a loved one."

Mann suggests before installing a detector or alarm, write the date you bought it inside of it.  Whether a unit is battery-powered or hardwired, it should be replaced every eight to ten years.

Mann also said this weekend is the ideal time for families to review and practice their home evaluation plans.