As daylight saving time approaches, time to check smoke detectors

The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department is reminding people to move their clocks ahead for daylight saving time and to check their smoke alarm batteries.

As daylight saving time begins with clocks moving forward one hour Sunday at 2 a.m., it's also a chance to ensure that smoke alarms are working properly, according to a news release.

"If batteries are missing or dead, the smoke alarm does not work, and you won't get the early warning that will allow you to react in a safe and timely manner," Fire Prevention Director Brenda Thomas said in the release.

The fire department also is available to install fire alarms. If a home does not have a working smoke alarm, people can call 751-9180 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or go by the nearest fire station on the weekend. Smoke detectors should be checked at least once a month. If the alarm "chirps," then the battery needs to be replaced, the release said.

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 5:09 PM with the headline "As daylight saving time approaches, time to check smoke detectors ."