FORSYTH COUNTY — Sunday marks the moment when we can leap into spring and hope to wish winter weather goodbye for the season as daylight savings time occurs.

Daylight savings, which involves moving one hour ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday, is also the time when public safety officials say residents should change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

According to the Forsyth County Fire Department, “Batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be changed every six to 12 months, making the start and end of daylight savings time a helpful twice-yearly reminder.”

It is also suggested to test the alarms at least once a month.

“Residents should review the recommendations of the unit manufacturer regarding battery replacement,” officials said. “The units themselves should be replaced every seven to 10 years.”

Other safety precautions regarding these alarms include:

* Install a smoke alarm on every level of a home

* Ensure smoke alarms are clean and free of dust

* Call 911 in case of any emergency

The fire department’s public safety education division provides battery-powered smoke alarms free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need.

For more information, call the fire department at (770) 205-5699 or email publiceducation@forsythco.com.