State fire marshal offices are reminding residents to inspect their smoke alarms, especially the batteries, when they turn their clocks ahead one hour Saturday night. Tennessee Commissioner Julie McPeak says people should change their batteries in their smoke alarms just to be on the safe side.
She also urges everyone to consider the age of their smoke alarms. McPeak says alarms, even those that are hard wired, should have their batteries replaced regularly and should be tested monthly to ensure they are providing the proper protection. Any smoke alarm that is ten years old or older should be replaced entirely.
Statistics show nearly two-thirds of all home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or with ones that aren't in proper working order.
