Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 a.m., when all clocks are set forward one hour.
This is also a great time to check and change the smoke detector batteries in your home.
A message from the Georgia Fire Commissioner
As Daylight Saving Time begins, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King emphasizes the critical practice of changing smoke alarm batteries when adjusting clocks forward this weekend.
“Smoke alarms are vital for early fire detection, safeguarding the lives of Georgia’s residents and their properties,” Commissioner King stated. “Their effectiveness, however, is contingent on the battery's functionality. Despite a lack of beeping signals, it is recommended to replace smoke alarm batteries twice per year. The onset of Daylight Saving Time offers a prime moment to ensure our smoke alarms are in optimal working condition.”
In Georgia, the role of functional smoke alarms in preventing fatalities is undeniable. Data reveals a significant correlation between non-working smoke alarms and fire-related deaths. The National Fire Protection Association indicates a considerably higher incidence of fatalities in residences lacking operational smoke alarms.
Commissioner King advises residents to not only replace batteries but also to regularly test and maintain their smoke alarms, removing any dust accumulation. Establishing and rehearsing a fire escape strategy is equally crucial for household safety.
For further details on fire prevention and safety, Commissioner King directs Georgians to resources available through the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office, the U.S. Fire Administration, the American Red Cross, or local fire departments.
Statesboro & Bulloch County Fire Departments offer free smoke detector program
Residents within the city limits of Statesboro are eligible for SFD's free smoke detector program. Once you submit an application, an on-duty fire crew will come and check to ensure that your smoke alarms are working properly and that you have adequate coverage for your home.
If necessary, they will replace dead batteries or even install a new smoke alarm.
If you are in need of a smoke alarm within the county, please call the Bulloch County Fire Department at (912) 489-1661.
