Cherokee Fire: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — It's that time of year again to change clocks after daylight's savings time and smoke detector batteries this weekend.

Changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms when setting clocks ahead an hour for daylight savings time, which occurs at 2 a.m. on Sunday, can help save lives.

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give an early warning so occupants can get outside quickly.

Cherokee County Citizens who need help changing batteries, inspecting existing alarms or need a smoke alarm should contact the Cherokee County Fire Marshal’s Office at 678-493-6290.