The University of Delaware's Environmental Health and Safety department reminds the UD community that daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 3. As you are setting back the clocks in your home, it is also is a good time to change and test batteries in home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Every fall, the Delaware State Fire School and local fire departments partner with Energizer to remind people of the simple, life-saving habit of changing and testing batteries.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. This reinforces how important it is to take this time each year to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Delaware State Fire School, Energizer and their partners remind everyone of the importance of batteries not only in smoke alarms but also the full range of devices that help keep people safe, secure and comfortable in our homes. Home safety and security has evolved beyond smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many families rely on other home devices connected to the Internet or their smartphones to enhance safety and security.

When you set your clocks back as daylight saving time ends, remember to change the batteries in all your connected home devices.

For more information, contact the Delaware State Fire School at 302-739-4773, www.statefireschool.delaware.gov or visit the Environmental Health and Safety webpage.