Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is recommending Missourians use the return of daylight saving time this weekend to test home smoke and carbon dioxide alarms. At 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, clocks spring forward one hour. Bean also urges families to practice their fire escape plans. Safety experts recommend families practice their home fire escape plans at least twice a year.

About one-half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. That is why its important for all family members to be able to react quickly and get out. All family members, including children should know two escape routes from every room in the residence. The information should also be shared with overnight guests.

The fire marshal recommends checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replacing smoke alarms every ten years, installing additional smoke alarms if you do not have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all bedrooms and outside bedrooms and plan two different escape routes from the home and practice with the family. Families should also select a safe gathering place outside of the residence in the event of fire.