Change your clocks and your smoke alarm batteries this weekend

Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms

The Providence Fire Department is asking that you change your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks forward this weekend

PROVIDENCE, RI - Sunday, March 11^th at 2am is the official time in which your clocks will need to "spring forward" an hour. The Providence Fire Department urges citizens to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Batteries should be checked in smoke alarms at least twice a year and the spring and fall time changes are great reminders to do so.

Typically, 9-volt batteries need to be changed every six months while 10-year lithium batteries need to be tested on a monthly basis to ensure they are working properly. Be sure to mark the date of installment on your lithium batteries so it's easy to remember when they need replacing.

"Maintaining working smoke alarms in your home is the most effective way to keep your family safe in the event of an emergency. The Providence Fire Department and its partners in public safety are here to assist you in taking this very important, yet very easy, preventative measure," said Fire Chief Michael Dillon.

In addition to checking your smoke alarm this weekend, the Providence Fire Department recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:

• Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries;
• Test alarms once a month using the test button;
• Replace the entire alarm if it's more than 10 years old or doesn't work properly when tested;
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home; and,
• Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.