Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends Sunday morningNovember 3, 2024, at 02.00 am. It’s time to fall back of set the clock back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.

This Sunday, November 3rd, is the end of summer time. As we set the clock back one hour, Statesboro and Bulloch County residents are reminded to prioritize safety with a simple, but potentially life-saving action – checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Local fire departments encourage the community to use the twice-yearly clock change as a reminder to inspect and, if necessary, replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams emphasizes that working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can double the chances of escaping a fire safely.

This simple check can be especially important during colder months, as residents begin to use heat sources that pose fire risks.

Bulloch County Fire Chief Ben Tapley notes that while many alarms now come with built-in ten-year batteries, it’s still important to check their functionality.

“It’s not just about changing batteries,” he says. “It’s also about making sure that every alarm works as it should. The time change is an excellent opportunity to do these checks before the winter months when incidents tend to increase.”

In addition to changing the batteries, local fire officials recommend that you test each alarm by pressing the test button to ensure the unit is working properly. If your detector does not pass the test or is more than ten years old, it is time for a replacement. Residents should also ensure that alarms are installed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on all levels of the home.

The Statesboro Fire Department and Bulloch County Fire Department offer a battery exchange program for senior citizens and individuals who may need assistance reaching or testing their alarms.

For more information about this program or other fire safety tips, residents can contact Statesboro Fire Department at 912-764-3473 or the Bulloch County Fire Department at (912) 489-1661.

So as the clocks roll back this Sunday, take a moment to improve your home’s security. This simple action can make a significant difference in the event of an emergency.