ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) - As clocks “fall back” the Rock Island Fire Department wants residents to check their smoke alarms.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a house fire by more than 60%.

Rock Island Deputy Fire Chief Greg Marty said early detection is critical, as fire tends to spread faster in modern homes.

“Our homes are filled with plastic and synthetic materials,” Marty said. “Fires grow faster, they burn hotter, and residents have less time than ever to escape a home fire. That’s why early notification and alerting from a working smoke alarm is incredibly important today, even more so than in the past.”

Officials recommend having a smoke alarm inside and outside every bedroom and at least one on every floor

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