Reports show most home fires begin while residents are sleeping. That's all the more reason to have a working smoke detector in your home.

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine stopped by Thomasville to talk about Operation Safe Home. It's a program that gives free detectors to families who can't afford them.

Oxendine gave away two dozen alarms to Thomas County Fire and Rescue.

"Smoke detectors will more than double your chances of surviving a home fire. Now is a good time to make sure they're working. Even if you have one that's wired into the house, you'll still need a battery back up." Says, Oxendine.

Officials encourage residents to change their batteries when daylight saving time begins which is this Sunday, March 15th at 2 a.m.