Daylight savings time begins March 10 and Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace batteries if needed and clean off any dust or debris. Smoke alarms have become such a common feature in U.S. homes, it's easy to take them for granted, according to Laura Rinehart, spokesperson for Loudoun Fire and Rescue.

“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. while most families are sleeping, and many people lose their sense of smell during a deep sleep stage” W. Keith Brower Jr., chief of Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management said in a statement. “The death rate per 100 reported fires is twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it is in home fires with this protection. Missing or non-working smoke alarms rob residents of valuable seconds that could allow them to safely escape. Young children, older adults, and people with disabilities are most at risk and working smoke alarms may provide these residents the necessary time to safely evacuate."

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s “Put a finger on it” smoke alarm campaign offers free home safety inspections and smoke alarms to Loudoun County residents. The campaign will replace broken smoke alarms or outdated ones with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the department hotline at 703-737-8093 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms