It comes down to simple math. Compare the cost of two double-A batteries versus the cost of your home, your belongings or — in the most horrible scenario possible — your loved ones.

As we turn back the clocks this weekend, receiving our annual fall gift of an extra hour of sleep, take the few minutes to check your smoke detector and, whether they need it or not, change the batteries.

Fire departments routinely use the two time changes each year to remind residents to check their smoke detectors because of the tremendous value they provide in keeping your family safe.

And, if your apartment or home is without smoke decectors, then take the time this weekend to go and buy one or more. They are that important. They save lives.

At this point, there is likely no way to calculate just how many lives have been saved simply because a home had smoke detectors.

The cost of batteries, or the cost of a detector all together, is far cheaper than the items that would be destroyed or the lives lost due to a fire that no one escaped.

You have an extra hour this weekend, so make good use of it and check your smoke detector.