The fall time-change is upon us, and the Wareham Fire Department is reminding residents to make another change that could save their lives -- changing batteries in household smoke alarms.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, turn your clocks back one hour. While you're preparing for the time change, take a look at the batteries in your smoke alarms. Are they worn or missing? If so, change them!

Changing smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries, says Wareham Fire Chief Robert McDuffy.

"Working smoke alarms provide an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape," said McDuffy. "This is particularly important for those most at risk of dying in a home fire, such as children and seniors."

McDuffy also 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 Wareham Fire Department at 508-295-2973.