Changing Your Clocks Is a Perfect Time to Power Up Your Smoke Alarms
Fast Fact
Did you know that roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths take place in homes that have no (or no working) smoke alarms?
Make Daylight Savings a Home Safety Reminder
Daylight Saving Time begins this year on Sunday, March 8th and what better time to remember to test your smoke alarms around your home and change their batteries.
Each spring, when Daylight Saving Time begins, we set our clocks ahead by one hour. This is why we say “spring forward.” When we “fall back” in November, as Daylight Saving Time ends, it’s another great reminder to do the same.
We get it—testing and swapping out the batteries in your smoke alarms isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s weekend to-do list. But here’s the thing: if a unit has failed or its batteries are dead or running low, your smoke alarm might not sound when you need it most. In the event of a fire, even a few seconds of early warning can make a huge difference for you and your family.
It’s a Quick and Easy Task
Taking a few minutes to complete this small task goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Below is helpful guidance from the National Fire Protection Association and First Alert to help ensure your smoke alarms are working well:
- Identify your smoke alarm type: Different models have different testing procedures and use different types of batteries, and some have sealed 10-year batteries that cannot be replaced. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Testing frequency: Regardless of your alarm type, ideally you should test them monthly. Typically, you will simply press the test button once, and if you hear a loud beeping sound then it is still working.
- For sealed 10-year battery alarms: These units are designed to last up to 10 years. If you hear a chirping sound indicating a low battery, then it’s time to replace the entire smoke alarm. Even if they don’t chirp, be sure to replace them every 10 years (or according to the manufacturer date printed on the back) as well as if they fail a test or after a fire event.
- For alarms with replaceable batteries: Change the batteries at least once a year, preferably twice. When you change one smoke alarm battery, change them all to keep protection consistent throughout your home. If the alarm does not beep when you test it or if it chirps to signal a low battery, replace the battery as soon as possible.
- Use the correct battery type: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions or the label on the back of the alarm for the exact battery brand and model required. Avoid using unapproved batteries. Installing a battery that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications may prevent the alarm from working properly.
Source: www.nfpa.org
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re unsure about which type of smoke alarm you have or need help replacing the batteries, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Your safety is important to us, and we’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process. If additional assistance is needed, we can connect you with trusted professionals to ensure everything is installed and working properly.
Call us anytime at 843-900-0155. We're here to help!
