Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Moving clocks forward one hour means an increase in daylight hours through the fall. It also means it's time to not only change your clock, but your smoke detector batteries.

"Smoke detectors help save lives," said Stephen Lea, assistant fire marshal. "We suggest making it a tradition that when the clocks change, the battery in your smoke detectors should also change. Replace the battery and then check to be sure the smoke detector is clean and functioning properly."

The Arlington Fire Department says now is also a good time to the check batteries in important warning and safety devices around the home.

With spring storms and potential severe weather season approaching, batteries in flashlights, cell phones and weather radios should also be tested.

Fire officials recommend that every household should have a flashlight, extra batteries and a battery-operated cell phone charger.

Free smoke detectors, installation and replacement batteries are available for elderly and low income residents who live in the City of Arlington. Call the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-5500 for more information.

View safety tips at webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/fire/safetytips_smoke.html.