By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Alabaster Fire Chief Jim Golden is encouraging all local residents to check their smoke detector batteries as they set their clocks forward for daylight-saving time this weekend.

By checking smoke alarm batteries and testing the devices when daylight-saving time begins and ends, residents can ensure their houses are as fire safe as possible, Golden said.

“Nationally, almost two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm,” Golden said. “Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms provide a vital layer of protection, and significantly reduces chances of injury or death from fire.

“Our goal is for every home in the city of Alabaster to have a working smoke alarm,” Golden added, noting he encourages residents to test their smoke alarms once a month.

The Alabaster Fire Department provides and installs smoke alarms free for Alabaster residents. To request a free smoke alarm, call the department at 664-6817.

In addition to checking and replacing batteries, Golden also encouraged local residents this weekend to dust or vacuum smoke alarms to eliminate any built-up residue, replace detectors more than 10 years old, develop and practice a home escape plan and ensure everyone in the residence knows how to respond when a smoke alarm sounds.