At this time next week in the North Country, the sun will be coming up at about 6:30 a.m., an hour earlier than it rises now.

It’s no cosmic trick, of course, but just the human trick of setting our clocks back an hour this weekend for the end of Daylight Saving Time and the return to standard time. That will give us more daylight in the morning.

Officially, standard time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.

This is also when fire officials remind that this and the switch back next spring are good times to check or change the batteries in the fire, smoke and carbon-monoxide (CO) alarms in one’s house or business.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urges all New Yorkers to make sure property and lives are protected with the extra measure of ensuring the devices will have enough power to function properly when they are needed.

Smoke and CO alarms should be cleaned to remove any debris that could impede their function, FASNY says. Older alarms that have removable batteries should receive a fresh set. Many newer smoke alarms feature longer lasting, sealed-in 10-year batteries. These alarms should still be tested and inspected regularly, but require far less maintenance than those with removable batteries, making a homeowner’s life both easier and safer.

“If working properly, smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “Often, firefighters respond to devastating fatal fires that could have been prevented if the home was equipped with working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are, quite frankly, the most important appliance in your home. Not only can they help to save your life and home, but also the lives of firefighters who are tasked with protecting the public.”

While many homes and businesses are equipped with smoke alarms, the simple truth is that many of these alarms are non-functioning. Firefighters frequently encounter smoke alarms that have been disabled or have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance. FASNY is supporting state legislation that would require all battery powered smoke alarms sold in New York to come equipped with non-removable, sealed-in batteries capable of powering the device for at least 10 years.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three of every five home fire deaths happen in a home with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. The 10-year smoke alarm bill directly addresses this critical problem, FASNY maintains. This legislation has passed both the state Senate and Assembly, and awaits Governor Cuomo’s action.

FASNY smoke & CO alarm tips:

• Test alarms at least once a month by using the test button.

• Check the batteries every six months, and change the batteries every year (if applicable). If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you. DO NOT disable the unit.

• Vacuum or blow out any dust that might accumulate in the unit.

• Never borrow a battery from an alarm to use somewhere else.

• Never paint a smoke or CO alarm.

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in or near each sleeping area.

• Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window because drafts could interfere with their operation.

• Smoke alarms should be completely replaced every 10 years.

• Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

For more information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and other information on fire safety and prevention, visit www.fasny.com and www.nfpa.org.