INDIANA — Hoosiers will be turning forward the clock this weekend for the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. The State Fire Marshal is asking Indiana residents to take a moment to practice fire safety and change batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time.

Most smoke alarm batteries should be changed twice a year. Here are more tips to consider:

• Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they are working properly.
• Purchase long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries. Regular batteries should be changed at least once a year, preferably twice.
• Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old; Occasionally remove any dust from the front of the smoke alarm.

Devise a family escape plan and practice it at least every six months. Plans should include at least two different ways each family member could escape various parts of the house. Designate a special place outside of the home where family members are to meet after escaping a fire.

For those renting a home or apartment, it is the landlord’s responsibility, and the law, to have at least one working smoke alarm in each unit at the time of move-in. While living in the unit, it is the resident’s responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm and notify the landlord of any issues.

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m.  Sunday, March 11, when clocks should “spring forward” one hour.