The Shapiro administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while changing their clocks for this weekend’s “spring forward” time change.

When functioning, smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half. Dead or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm malfunction.

“Working smoke alarms are absolutely critical for your family to receive early notification during a fire emergency in your home,” said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “When seconds count, the early warning provided by a smoke alarm can be the difference between safely exiting your home, and not making it out. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working smoke detectors, especially for anyone in your home who may need extra time to get outside to safety.”

During a home fire, you may have fewer than two minutes to safely exit, so Cook recommends the following steps:

• Ensure early notification by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms.

• Develop and practice an escape plan once your alarm sounds to include having two ways out of each room, a designated meeting place once outside, and taking a head count to ensure that everyone got out safely.

• Once safely out of the home, call 9-1-1 for help.

Make sure you assist younger children and older adults with developing and practicing plans.

Carbon monoxide alarms also save lives.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can incapacitate victims before they are aware of exposure.

Sources can include wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces, appliances, grills, generators and motor vehicles. Maintaining wood and gas-burning appliances is critical to reduce the risk of malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide exposure.

Having a working carbon monoxide detector in your home can alert you before you recognize symptoms often confused with other illnesses such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue.

If you need a smoke alarm, visit the ReadyPA website to request a free smoke alarm from the American Red Cross.

All smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly — including ones hard-wired to a home’s electrical system.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a life span, and the entire unit should be replaced every 10 years with a new one.