The spring time-change is upon us, and the Wareham Fire Department wants to remind residents to make another change that could save their lives -- changing batteries in smoke alarms. At 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2011, turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

Although 92% of American homes have smoke alarms, nearly one-third of these smoke alarms don’t work. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits that home fire-safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

Changing smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

"Working smoke alarms provide an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape," said Assistant Chief Richard Sleightholm. "This is particularly important for those most at risk of dying in a home fire, such as children and seniors." In addition, Sleightholm recommends residents test smoke alarms by pushing the "test" button, plan "two ways out", and practice those escape routes with the entire family.

For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Office at the Wareham Fire Department at 508-295-2973.