As we prepare to “spring forward” this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, there’s one simple safety step everyone should take: changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Start?
This year, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024. That’s when we turn our clocks ahead one hour, gaining a bit more evening daylight but losing an hour of sleep. While the time change can be a minor hassle, it also serves as a twice-yearly reminder to check on one of the most important safety devices in your home — your smoke detectors.
Why Smoke Detector Maintenance Matters
Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they work. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. In many cases, the alarms had missing or dead batteries.
To help prevent this tragic scenario, experts recommend changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months — and what better schedule than aligning it with the spring and fall time changes? This easy-to-remember routine ensures your detectors are ready to protect your household year-round.
How to Check and Replace Batteries
- Test your detectors — Press the test button to ensure the alarm sounds.
- Replace old batteries — Even if the alarm sounds, fresh batteries give you peace of mind.
- Clean the detectors — Dust and debris can interfere with sensors, so gently vacuum or wipe them down.
- Check the date — Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, even if they still seem to work.
Don’t Forget Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While you’re at it, this is also a great time to check and change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors, another crucial safety device in your home.
A Small Task with Big Impact
Taking a few minutes to change batteries and test your alarms could save your life. So as you turn your clocks forward this weekend, make safety part of your Daylight Saving Time tradition. A quick battery swap now could make all the difference in a future emergency.
