FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2008) – As you prepare to “fall back” by setting clocks back one hour Sunday to return to standard time, it’s a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, says William Swope, Kentucky State Fire Marshal.

“It’s important to keep a fresh battery in your smoke detector,” said Swope. “One way to ensure this is to make a point of switching batteries at the same time every year. So the time change is a perfect opportunity to take a few minutes to help ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these tips on home smoke alarms:

* Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

* Test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the test button.

* Follow manufacturer instructions in deciding where to install a smoke alarm on a wall or ceiling.

* Replace the battery if the alarm chirps.

* Keep your smoke alarm free of dust, and don’t paint over it.

* Replace any smoke alarm that is at least 10 years old.

More smoke alarm safety tips are available on NFPA’s Web site at http://www.nfpa.org.

Swope added that any home with a gas appliance should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Such a device also needs a fresh battery regularly.