Spring Forward Tonight -- And Change Your Smoke Alarm Battery

We lose an hour tonight as we set out clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time.

That means it's also time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, the Strongsville Fire Department says.

You should have a smoke detector inside each sleeping area and on each level of the home, including the basement.

Only functioning smoke detectors can protect you, so never “borrow” a battery for another use.  

In 2008, there were nearly 3,650 fire deaths in the United States, and 72 percent of those people died in their own homes. Smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half.

Also, if your detector is more than 10 years old, think about replacing it with a combination of both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. 

If you cannot afford to buy a smoke alarm, the fire department can supply and install one. Call the Fire Prevention Office at 440-580-3225 for information.