Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging consumers to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time they move their clocks back one hour this weekend.

“To ensure that you will be notified in a timely manner in the event of an emergency, consumers should change the batteries in their smoke alarms twice a year. A great way to remember to do so is to always change the batteries when you change your clocks at the beginning and end of daylight saving time each year,” Commissioner King said. “Changing the batteries in these devices is a great first step in ensuring continued protection of your family and property.”

In 2018, approximately 83 residential fires in Georgia resulted in 102 fatalities. Of those fires, 79 of the homes did not have a working smoke alarm. So far in 2019, 59 Georgians have died in 49 residential fires. 44 of those homes did not have a working smoke alarm. There have been 71 total deaths in Georgia fires this year.

Commissioner King encourages all residents to test and clean dust from the smoke alarms monthly. He also recommends that you plan and practice an escape route in the event of a fire.