Daylight Saving Time across the United States begins this Sunday, March 9.

On Sunday, clocks are turned forward an hour, moving an hour of daylight from morning to evening - a change that will remain in effect through Nov. 2.

The Huntington Fire Department wants residents to also use the day to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.

Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm, the National Fire Protection Agency says.

"Saving your life can be as simple as changing your smoke alarm batteries once a year and replacing smoke alarms every seven to 10 years," says Jason Meier, a Huntington firefighter. Special smoke alarms are available for those who are deaf or hearing-impaired.

The NFPA reports that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Research has also demonstrated that photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at warning people of smoke from smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms. With earlier warning, people have more time to escape a burning structure and call 9-1-1.

Firefighters recommend installing a dual purpose smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of every bedroom and on each floor of the home.

"You should also install carbon monoxide alarms in your home and check them once a month," says Meier.

Carbon monoxide fumes are poisonous and will increase the intensity of a fire if ignited.