As the clocks spring forward Sunday morning, Skippack residents are being urged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure proper protection of their homes.

For alarms with removable batteries, the Skippack Fire Company encourages residents to replace the batteries and to test alarms with sealed-in batteries.

Installing and maintaining smoke alarms in your house is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from fire. An estimated three out of every five home fire deaths occur in houses without working smoking detectors — the majority of which either have missing or dead batteries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

We urge homeowners to install 10-year smoke alarms which cannot be easily deactivated.

Here are six tips:

Test alarms at least once a month by using the test alarm button.

Vacuum out any dust that may have accumulated in the alarm.

Install at least one alarm on every floor of the home, and in or near each sleeping area.

Never paint a smoke or CO alarm, and do not install them near windows because a draft could interfere with their operation.

Follow manufacturer recommendations on smoke and CO alarm replacement timeframes.

We encourages families and individuals to develop and practice a fire-escape plan to be prepared in the event of an emergency.