Daylight Saving Time life saving tip

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Move that clock ahead one hour! It's daylight saving time! This day gives you an extra hour of daylight and it's a sign that Spring is on the way.

It also brings with it an important reminder that could save your life.

The snow is gone and the first signs of spring are popping up.

"Everything's in bloom, it's a new beginning, it's a start, usually we're outdoors, we're getting ready for summer, time off of school, so this is a wonderful time of year," says Cathy Williams-Sledge as she walks around Waterside in Norfolk with her family.

For Cathy and her family this time of year gives them the chance to explore and do things they love.

"Go swimming," says Marcus Sledge.

"I like to play football, play basketball outside," says Michael Sledge.

While it's time to get outside and enjoy the warming temperatures, there's something emergency workers want you to take care of inside your home first.

"Whenever we change the clocks, we recommend people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors," says Lt. Travis Williford of the Portsmouth Fire Department.

It's a simple task yet Williford says many people don't do it.

"We go on quite a few fires where we come to find out that the smoke detectors don't work and people aren't changing the batteries."

Some of those fires have tragic endings. People lose their homes, their pets, or even their lives.

First responders say, those stories can have happier endings if you just give your smoke detector a few minutes of attention, Sunday.

"It's your first indication that there's something going on, that there's an emergency, there's smoke," says Williford.

After you change the battery, remember to test the smoke detector. A working smoke detector can give you two things, peace of mind and the chance to live to see many more spring days.

"Smoke detectors save lives."

Some fire departments give out free smoke detectors. If your detector doesn't work, call your local department to see if they can give you a new one at no charge.