Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine is urging Georgians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time they change their clocks when daylight saving time begins Sunday, April 1.

In conjunction with the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" fire safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the American Burn Association, Oxendine says the annual change to daylight saving time in the spring is a good time to make sure your smoke alarm is functioning properly.

"Every year in Georgia we have numerous fire fatalities in homes that didn't have smoke alarms, or where the alarms didn't function," Oxendine 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 is an easy way to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home."

The commissioner added that families should plan and rehearse an escape route and a meeting place outside the home that they can use in the event of a fire.

Daylight saving time starts Sunday, April 1 at 2 a.m., when clocks are set ahead one hour.