COVINGTON, KY - The City of Covington and the Covington Fire Department are reminding residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they move their clocks back on Sunday.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, Kentuckians switch from daylight saving time back to standard time. To help remember to change their batteries at least twice a year, residents are encouraged to do so at the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time. Performing this simple maintenance plays a vital role in reducing home fire risks.

Please review these smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Test smoke alarms every month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Replace batteries twice a year or if a detector “chirps” to signal low battery power.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet from a stove to reduce false alarms.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Use smoke alarms as part of a home fire escape plan.