Washington Fire Chief Alan Poss, in conjunction with Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine, urges Wilkes Countians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time they change their clocks to daylight saving time on April 2.

The fire safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the American Burn Association, reminds that this is a good time to make sure your smoke alarm is working as it should.

"Every Year in Georgia we have numerous fire fatalities in homes that didn't have smoke alarms, or where the alarms didn't function," Poss said. "If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it's in working order."

Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the device are easy ways to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm double the chances you will survive a fire in your home, according to Poss.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, April 2, at 2 a.m. when clocks are set ahead one hour.