There was a time not too long ago when the first Saturday in November meant everyone needed to travel through their houses changing the time on clocks, watches and microwave ovens, and then head out to their cars to make similar adjustments.

While that chore has largely been eliminated, thanks to smart phones and watches that always show the exact time no matter where you are, other clocks that automatically adjust and even appliances that are connected to the internet and never fail to show the proper time, the return of Eastern Standard Time at 2 a.m. Sunday represents a good reminder to check batteries in smoke detectors

Those batteries need to be replaced at least once a year.

It also is a good time to check on hardwired smoke detectors to make sure the units are working properly, even those units have a battery backup in case of a power failure.

The bottom line: Smoke alarms save lives.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, and more than one-third of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms were present (43 percent) or in homes that had smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent.)

The National Fire Protection Association adds that about 1,450 people die each year in home fires where smoke detectors are missing or non-functioning.

They aren’t something that can be hung on the ceiling or wall and forgotten about. They need to be tested once a month, regardless of whether the units are battery powered or hardwired.

And remember, smoke detectors have a limited life and should be changed every 10 years from the date of manufacture or when they don’t sound when tested. The manufacturing date is normally listed on the back of the unit.

As a rule of thumb, smoke detectors should be placed in all bedrooms and on every floor of the house.

Having detectors in place is one step in protecting your family. Sounds from a detector that has been triggered in the middle of the night can result in you and family members becoming disoriented after being awakened from a sound sleep. With that in mind, now’s the time to practice evacuation routes from your house. Knowing where to go in the event of a fire can be just as important as having a working smoke detector. And remember, seconds count in the event of a fire.

While you are at it, check the carbon monoxide detectors as well.

Warnings provided by these detectors always are critical, especially during certain parts of the day. The fire safety administration reports that half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep.

It is the job of in-home detectors to sound an alert in the event of a fire so everyone can make it out safely. By making sure they are in working order, the extra hour of sleep you will get Sunday morning can be a little more peaceful. And, if you are already looking ahead, barring an act of Congress, daylight saving time will return at 2 a.m. March 8.