For 30 years, the International Association of Fire Chiefs ("IAFC") and Energizer have worked together with local fire departments to remind citizens to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks back in the fall. Today, more than 6,000 local fire departments participate in the program.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" has been recognized as America's most effective fire safety campaign, helping families keep safe should fire strike.

Working smoke alarms double a family's chances of surviving a home fire. That's why Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs started the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" program. The program reminds people how important it is to maintain working smoke detectors. Each fall when you change your clocks back to Standard Time, remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fire Safety Checklist:
Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, including the basement.

Test and vacuum your smoke alarms once a month dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity. When testing your smoke alarms, you should also test your carbon monoxide detectors.

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year, depending on high quality brand batteries.

Check flashlight batteries. Always keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen, basement, and family room in the event of a fire, use a flashlight to signal for help.

Install fire extinguishers. Be sure to install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a multi- or all-purpose fire extinguisher that's listed by an accredited testing laboratory.

Make sure your children know and understand fire safety. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire, because they often become scared and confused during fires. Show your children where smoke alarms are located. Make sure they recognize the smoke alarm's sound and understand that a sounding smoke alarm signals a home fire

Plan and practice your escape routes. Identify at least two different escape routes and practice them with the entire family.

Content Courtesy of Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.