Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging Georgians to change the battery in their smoke alarm at the same time they change their clocks back to standard time on Sunday, November 5.

In conjunction with the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" fire safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Commissioner Hudgens says the annual change from daylight saving time to standard time is a good reminder to make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.

"If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it’s in working order,” Hudgens said. “Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the device is a simple way to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home.”

In 2016, approximately 106 residential fires in Georgia resulted in 141 deaths. Of those fires, 96 of the homes did not have a working smoke alarm. This year, 75 Georgians have died in 69 residential fires, with only three of the homes having a working smoke alarm.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m., when clocks are set back one hour.

Ralph Hudgens is the Commissioner of Insurance, Safety Fire Commissioner and Industrial Loan Commissioner for the State of Georgia. He can be reached at 404-656-2070 or 800-656-2298.