Change the clocks and the batteries
Bethesda, Maryland-AP -- This is the weekend that people in most of the U-S have to remember to set their clocks ahead one hour. It's the "spring forward" time of the old saying, "spring forward -- fall back." Daylight Saving Time occurs at two a-m Sunday.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests using the occasion to put fresh batteries in smoke alarms and update general precaution plans at home.
Spokesman Ken Giles (jylz) says households should have fire escape plans that include two ways out of the building. He says the plans should be practiced in order to avoid any delays in an emergency.
Giles tells Associated Press Radio that in the past ten years, annual fire deaths have decreased to 24-hundred from 34-hundred. Giles advises keeping ignition sources away from children -- things like matches, lighters and candles.
As for the smoke alarms, test the batteries monthly and change them every six months.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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