Time Change Means Change Batteries

State officials say it will be a good safety reminder when the time changes this weekend.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis says spring is a good opportunity to change smoke alarm batteries.  The time jumps forward an hour on March 11. State officials say before going to bed you should also install new batteries in smoke alarms. Other precautions include changing batteries in flashlights and radios.

The National Fire Protection Association says 40 percent of residential fire deaths in the country happen in homes with no smoke alarms.