As we get set to "Spring Ahead" this weekend, local fire officials are encouraging residents to switch out those smoke alarm batteries.

Sunday morning at 2 am Daylight Savings time goes back into effect and those clocks will need to be pushed forward one hour. As you do so, Clinton Fire Chief Shawn Milton is hoping you will also take five minutes and check those smoke detectors. He says having fresh batteries or even new devices in your home are your first line of defense in the event of a home fire.

[audio:30615112732-3715alarmdetect1.mp3] [/audio]

Placement of smoke detectors in your home varies widely based on the size of your home. The Chief says you should have at least two, one near bedrooms and another close to the kitchen. Chief Milton notes they find many times the detectors near the kitchen are often unplugged or taken down all together.

[audio:30615112736-3715alarmdetect2.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton Fire Department has smoke alarms available to their residents through the State Fire Marshall's Office. According to Chief Milton, they give out at least two per homeowner and they are free of charge.

[audio:30615112739-3715alarmdetect3.mp3] [/audio]

Chief Milton encourages residents to check their detectors for "born on dates". He says smoke detectors should be replaced every seven years and also encourages routine maintenance such as taking cans of air to them and cleaning them. He explains this will keep them in top working condition.