Tonight is the night we set our clocks ahead an hour for daylight saving time.

The change technically takes place at 2 a.m. Sunday, but for most of us, it means changing clocks before bed tonight -- and losing an hour of sleep.

Fire Chief Jeff Branic also has an important reminder for Strongsville residents: When you change your clocks, also change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

In 2011, there were nearly 3,005 fire deaths in the United States, about about 84 percent of those people died in their own homes.  

In you can't afford a detector, contact Strongsville Fire and Emergency Services Department, Office of Fire Prevention at 440-580-3225 for help. 

"Remember," Branic said. "A working smoke detector can save your life before the fire department arrives."