The Office of State Fire Commissioner is reminding Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors while changing their clocks for this weekend’s “spring forward” time change. Dead or missing batteries are the most common cause of smoke or CO alarm malfunctions.  

“Working smoke alarms are absolutely critical for your family to receive early notification during a fire emergency in your home,” says State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “When seconds count, the early warning provided by a smoke alarm can be the difference between safely exiting your home and not making it out.” 

For more fire safety tips, including when to replace a smoke detector and what to do if your smoke alarm goes off, click here.