Clayton News Daily

Photo by Hugh Osteen

Time. It is all about time.

There is just one more week until Daylight Savings Time begins, and everyone has to set their clocks ahead by an hour. But State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens is urging people to take the time to also change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

Officially, Daylight Savings Time commences on Sunday, March 13, at 2 a.m. -- or 3 a.m., depending on a person's perspective. Hudgens said in a news release that -- while everyone is springing forward, or skipping ahead by an hour -- it is also as good a time as any for them to take the extra step of making sure their smoke detectors are working properly.

He said nine people in Georgia died last year during fires in "dwellings" that had no smoke detectors, and another three people died during fires in buildings that had non-working detectors.

"If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it is in working order," Hudgens said. "Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the device are easy ways to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home."

And while you are at it ... you should probably use this as a time to change the batteries in your flashlights and weather radios as well, according to Hudgens.

-- Curt Yeomans