Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend!

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Let Daylight Savings Time be a reminder to check your smoke detectors to keep your home & family safe this winter.

The official end of Daylight Savings Time is this weekend, on Saturday, November 4th at 2 a.m.  Since this is an annual event, it is a good practice to include checking your smoke detectors as you prepare for the colder, darker months ahead.  According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 3 out of 5 home fires resulting in a death did not have working smoke detectors.  The following should be included in your annual check list:

• Change the batteries:
  • Note: Hardwired detectors also have a backup battery that should be changed. If you lose power, the alarm will not work without the battery.
• Smoke detectors have an expiration date:
  • Check the manufacturer’s date on your smoke detector. Smoke alarms can begin to lose their sensitivity after about 10 years.
• Test the smoke sensors:
  • Pressing the test button will confirm if the battery and audible alarm is working. However, it will not confirm that the smoke sensor is working.
  • To test the sensors, use smoke alarm test spray which simulates smoke.  However, after 10 years, it is still a good idea to upgrade to the newer models.
• Do you have enough?
  • Smoke detectors should be on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.