As the time change approaches on Sunday, March 9, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that one easy step can help save their lives – changing the batteries in their smoke alarms.

When you change your clocks, take time to change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms. “ Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries so maintenance is a simple, effective way to protect you and your family,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy.

Warnings from smoke alarms can provide those critical extra seconds people need to get out of their homes safely. Plan, discuss and practice escape routes with your household members. Being prepared and knowing what to do, in the event of a fire, can save lives.

In 2013, approximately 20 percent of fire deaths in Washington State occurred in homes without working smoke alarms and the peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Ensuring smoke alarms are operational is critical to life safety. Smoke alarms are designed to detect the presence of smoke and alert occupants to danger.

For more information about fire safety, visit the State Fire Marshal website.