Time change = battery change

"Change your clock - change your battery," advises Jasper Fire Marshal Stephen Williamson.

This is the 20th year of a national campaign to save lives by reminding people that when the time changes Sunday, Nov. 4 (fall back one hour), it is also time to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors too.

"Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries," according to Williamson.

"The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping," Williamson said.

A fresh battery in the alarm will allow the family more time get out safely, according to Williamson, who also recommends families use the "extra hour" on Sunday to review fire safety:

Review your escape plan and make sure every family member knows "two ways out" of every room (windows count), and where the meeting place is outside, after escaping the house.

Also, the sensors in smoke alarms deteriorate over time. The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends replacing smoke alarms every 10 years regardless of brand.