Spring Forward Cumming! Get Ready For Daylight Saving Time

This is the official weekend to switch back to Daylight Saving Time, so don't forget to "spring forward." At 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11, the time will be moved forward by one hour.

What used to begin on the first Sunday in April and ended the last Sunday in October has been extended to make for a longer period of daylight saving each year. This year it will run from March 11 until Nov. 4.

The also encourages you to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

“While changing the clocks in your home, please take the time to replace the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your house,” said Capt. Jason Shivers. “It is a simple task that could potentially prove life-saving.”

It's also recommended to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replace the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to 10 years.

“The critical need for working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout every level of a home cannot be stressed enough,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “It is important to remember that you have no sense of smell when you are asleep, so smoke detectors are your only hope of being alerted to a fire.”

The department’s Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need; they will also install those detectors. To receive details on this program, call Public Safety Educator Andrea Noble at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.205.5699.

So don’t forget Saturday night before you turn in for the night to set your clocks forward one hour – and to check the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.