Public Safety Announcement: Spring Ahead and Check Your Smoke Detectors

As most states prepare to “spring ahead” for Daylight Saving Time, Agenzee reminds you that when you move your clocks forward, it’s essential to take a few minutes to inspect, test, and update your smoke detectors. These simple steps can save lives.

Daylight Saving Time: A Reminder for Fire Safety

Daylight Saving Time begins and ends each year, creating two clock changes annually. Fire departments across the country stress the importance of combining this clock change with smoke detector maintenance. Regular checks help ensure that your alarms will function properly in the event of a fire emergency.

Replace All Smoke Detector Batteries

Even if your alarms seem to be working fine, the beginning of DST is the recommended time to install fresh batteries in every smoke detector in your home.

Battery Replacement Steps:

1. In a safe manner, remove the smoke detector from its bracket.
2. Replace the batteries.
3. Press the “Test” button to verify that the smoke detector is functioning properly.

If the smoke detector fails the test, replace the device immediately.

Check the Age of Your Smoke Detectors

Many residents don’t realize that smoke detectors expire. Most alarms are designed to last for 10 years from the date of manufacture, not from the installation date. After that time, their sensors can become unreliable.

To inspect your smoke detector:

• Check the manufacture date printed on smoke detector
• Replace the unit if it is more than 10 years old
• Upgrade to detectors with 10-year battery life or a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide detection.

Verify Proper Installation

The location of your smoke detectors plays a significant role in their performance. Building codes (which vary by jurisdiction) recommend the following placement guidelines:

• Install alarms at every level of your home
• Place one inside each bedroom and one outside each sleeping area.
• Mount detectors in spots where rising smoke can reach them quickly, such as high positions on ceilings or walls.

Additional Safety Recommendations

To keep your household prepared, Agenzee recommends:

• Test every smoke alarm once a month.
• Never silence or remove a beeping detector; identify and correct the issue.
• Review your home fire escape plan with all family members
• Ensure everyone recognizes the alarm sound and knows how to respond.

Protect Your Home, Protect Your Family

Take a few minutes to ensure your smoke detectors are functioning properly. This quick seasonal check helps protect your home, your loved ones, and your community. Stay safe. Stay prepared. This simple action can save lives.

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