When we “spring forward” on Sunday, March 10, it’s time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms as well as the time on your clocks.

Beyond fresh batteries, it’s also a good time to evaluate your smoke alarms for maximum effectiveness. Why? Working smoke alarms reduce your chance of dying in a fire by half.

Where are your smoke alarms? Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom. They should also be placed high on walls or on ceilings—smoke rises.

How old are your smoke alarms? The maximum life span of a smoke alarm is 8 to 10 years. If yours are older, it’s time to replace them.

Do you test your smoke alarms? You should test your smoke alarms monthly. If one doesn’t respond properly when tested, replace it immediately.

What’s the difference between a working smoke alarm and one that doesn’t work? It could be the difference between life and death.