JEFFERSON CITY - State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is encouraging Missourians to think about fire safety as they "spring ahead" their clocks this weekend. The twice-yearly time changes are excellent reminders to change the batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks move ahead one hour for the beginning of daylight saving time.
"I strongly encourage everyone to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as we shift to daylight saving time this weekend because it could save a loved one's life," Bean said. "Having working smoke alarms in your home is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your family. Take a minute this weekend to check your alarms, replace dead batteries, and install smoke alarms if you don't have them in every bedroom and on every level of your home."
According to the U.S. Fire Administration:
Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
Thirty-eight percent of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarm was in the home.
The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
Half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep.