The one advantage we can think of when it comes to turning back our clocks and watches, for those of us who still have them, is to get an extra hour of sleep … in theory, anyway.

After moving back the hands of time — but before tucking yourself in — take an extra few minutes to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. That simple action could well save your life and those of others in your home or apartment.

As we have learned from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, 80 Virginians died in residential fires last year. Further, the National Fire Protection Association reports that about three out of five fire deaths occur in houses without a working smoke alarm.

Speaking of which, if you don’t have such warning devices, then today or by Saturday afternoon will be an excellent time to buy and install them. The NFPA recommends placing the smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, as well as on every level of the home.

Also, come up with an escape route or two in the event that a fire should happen.

Doing all that can give you peace of mind and, we hope, a sound sleep.