Officials provide fire safety tips

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — State officials say it's a good time of year to check batteries in home smoke detectors.

The office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents still changing clocks from the weekend time change to also check smoke detectors.

Officials say it's a good idea to change batteries twice a year.

State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis says it can make the difference between life and death.

The office says that of the more than 17,000 fire-related incidents last year, smoke alarms failed to operate in about 800.

Fire officials say smoke alarms should be installed within 15 feet of all sleeping areas.