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 to standard time Oct. 31.

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 back to standard time in the fall is a good time to make sure your smoke alarm is functioning properly.

“One-third of Georgia's fire fatalities last year involved homes that didn't have smoke alarms, or where the alarms didn't function,” Oxendine said. “If you've got a smoke alarm, make sure it's in working order.

“Changing the battery every year and cleaning dust from the device is an easy way to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. And while you're thinking about fire safety, plan and rehearse an escape route your family can use in the event of fire,” he said.

Daylight saving time ends and standard time begins Sunday, Oct. 31, at 2 a.m. when clocks are set back one hour.