Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging Georgians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time they change their clocks back to standard time this Sunday, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Insurance.

As time “Falls back” in observance of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, some folks may be excited to get that eagerly anticipated extra hour of sleep come Monday morning, whereas others who do not observe the change will stand, alone, in front of a locked school or work building for one hour.

In conjunction with the “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” fire safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the American Burn Association, Commissioner Hudgens says the annual change from daylight saving time to standard time is a good reminder to make sure your smoke alarm is working as it should.

“Last year in Georgia there were 72 fatal house fires and 67 of them didn’t have a working smoke alarms,” Hudgens said. “If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it’s in working order. Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the device are easy ways to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home.”

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 a.m., but the easiest way to get the time swap right is to go ahead and set all clocks back one hour before going to bed on Sunday.

The future of DST is unknown, but is possibly subject to change according to Timeanddate.com.

“It is difficult to predict what will happen with Daylight Saving Time in the future. The daylight saving date in many countries may change from time to time due to special events or conditions.The United States, Canada and some other countries extended DST in 2007. The new start date is the second Sunday in March (previously the first Sunday in April) through to the first Sunday in November (previously the last Sunday in October).”

We asked our facebook readers if DST was a good or bad thing and asked them to explain why. Here are there answers...

Observed bi-annually, Daylight Savings Time (DST), is a subject of debate among many. Many readers disagreed, however some were in favor of the change, here are some direct responses:

“Doesn’t really matter to me, I just wish it was left alone.” Tracie Lyles-Sloan.

“The only daylight I have is at work and I work half a day on sat!! It’s dark when I go to work and dark when I get home!” Frances Waits Pettit.

“I Don’t mind the change once you get used to it. Main reason is for daylight for the kids going to school. In the winter it’s dark early morning but falling back an hour gives daylight for the kids to see going to school. And helps us see morning walkers and bike riders on the street too. Keep the time changes, it benefits us in summer and winter!” Tabitha Henson Garnett.

“I kinda like getting up at 7 am and it still being dark:) I would like for them to leave it like it is:) but only if it’s not an inconvenience for the majority of others.” Bonnie Lewis-Jackson.

“Anyone who has ever had a baby hates it. About the time you get your baby on a sleep schedule, the time changes and baby is all out of whack (and so are mom and dad!!!).” Tiffany Waits.

“Bad. Split the time by 1 HR and leave it.” Garett Howell.

“Why don’t they just merge the two times and move everything 30 minutes ahead in the spring and leave it there year ‘round?” Sheryl McDonald.

“Hate it. I think it should be done away with. Just stick with one and leave it.” John Clark.

“I don’t mind it in the winter, but all that extra daylight in the summer burns up my garden. Lol.” Kyle Miller.

“You actually gain an hour of sleep in the fall.” Mandy Blackstock Burchett.