When people move their clocks forward this weekend, state and local officials suggest checking their smoke alarms as well.

“As you set your clocks forward, I cannot stress enough the importance of also taking a few minutes to check your smoke alarms,” Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in a press release. “These devices truly are a first line of defense in keeping you and your loved ones safe from a home fire; a simple test today can be a lifesaver tomorrow.”

Marietta Fire Chief C. W. Durham agreed.

“This will be a great time to go through your house and check your smoke alarms and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors.”

Durham said all safety equipment should be checked, including fire extinguishers. And while changing the batteries on smoke alarms and CO detectors, folks should also test the devices to see if they are still working, he said.

In the Ohio fire marshal’s press release, Reardon suggests a three-step plan to ensure one’s smoke alarms are up to date and working: Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms in the home, test alarms to ensure they’re working properly, and make sure alarms haven’t exceeded the expiration date.

The time change this year comes at the end of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stresses the importance of checking for recalls and getting any unrepaired recalls fixed immediately for free.

re were 1,000 recalls for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment and more than 34 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. But millions of vehicle recalls go unrepaired every year.

“Vehicle Safety Recalls Week coincides with the week leading up to daylight saving time,” the NHTSA said. “Traditionally, this day has been a cue to check smoke detector batteries as you change your clocks. You should also make it a habit to check for vehicle safety recalls when daylight saving time begins and ends.”

Vehicle owners can check for recalls by VIN number or license plate number at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Staff reporter Michelle Dillon contributed to this story