"Smoke detectors are life savers," and Daylight Saving Time is a great opportunity to check them!

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Daylight Saving Time meant turning our clocks ahead by an hour as we "spring forward" this weekend. Daylight Saving Time is also an excellent opportunity to check those smoke detectors! It's a simple task that could save your life.

On Sunday, March 8th, officials with the Milwaukee Fire Department joined members of Community Baptist Church to reach out to members of the community -- imploring them to use Daylight Saving Time as an opportunity to make sure they're protected in case of a fire.

"We are making an effort to make fire safety a top priority," Milwaukee Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Blackwood said.

"We want to use (Daylight Saving Time) as a key point to check smoke detectors, check batteries and also to make sure the smoke detector is functional," Blackwood said.

Firefighters and parishioners went door-to-door Sunday. Zumehka McCrary says because the church is a cornerstone of the community, church members are concerned about people's spiritual and physical well-being.

"Just let our neighbors know that it`s important not only for them to worship with us and have a relationship with God, but their smoke detectors are life savers as well," McCrary said.

Firefighters handed out smoke detectors to those in need during their effort Sunday.

"I feel pretty good that they came out and did that because I surely need it. I didn`t have one. I just moved in, so everything is getting coordinated right now," Patricia Calvin said.

In addition to coordinating her home, officials reminded Calvin and others to coordinate a plan in case of a fire.

"Fire safety is an important issue. We want families to have plans to get out -- meeting places outside their homes and how to call the fire department when they need to," Blackwood said.

A smoke detector is your fire line of defense against a fire in your home. It is important to make sure your smoke detector is functional so that it can alert you to fire and help you escape.

"As a church, it makes us feel good because we are saving lives," McCrary said.

Smoke detectors should be tested once a month and your batteries should be changed twice a year.

Need a smoke detector? Call the Smoke Detector Hotline at (414) 286-8980 to see whether you're eligible for a free one.