Change clock and smoke detector batteries for daylight saving time

CINCINNATI - State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers urges Ohioans to change the batteries in their smoke detector batteries along with the time on their clocks Sunday for daylight saving time.

Flowers says a nine-volt battery is about $7 and this potentially life-saving move should be done twice a year – at the beginning and end of daylight saving time.

"Pick up the batteries to be ready for Sunday. It’s a small price for your family’s safety," Flowers said.

Flowers says even non-replaceable, lifelong batteries should be changed every 10 years.

In addition to changing smoke detector batteries, the bi-annual event of daylight saving marks a great time to review insurance coverage.

“Homeowners should take the time to review their insurance policy, take an inventory of their belongings, and talk to an agent to make sure they have the right coverage at the right price to recover from a fire,” says Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.

Thirty fire fatalities have been reported to the fire marshal's office this year.

Ohio had 106 reported fire-related deaths last year, compared with 128 in 2011 and 155 in 2010. In more than two-thirds of the 2012 fatalities, homes lacked a smoke detector or it couldn't be determined whether one was present.

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Flowers offers these additional tips:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working properly
• Make sure everyone in the home knows how to respond if the alarm sounds
• Practice home fire drills
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your smoke detectors
• Instructions can be found on the company’s website if you don’t have them any longer
• Never borrow a smoke detector’s battery for another use

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Online:

Division of State Fire Marshal, http://www.com.ohio.gov/fire