Time change is good time to change smoke-alarm batteries

BOARDMAN — The township fire department is reminding everyone to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors this weekend, when most of the country returns to Eastern Standard Time.

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most-effective ways to reduce deaths and injuries in house fires, according to a news release.

Firefighters recommend residents test the smoke alarms after the batteries, plan two ways out of the house in case of emergency and practice escape routes with the entire family.