Daylight Savings Ends so it’s Time to Change Out the Smoke Detector Battery

This weekend we can sleep in an extra hour as we “fall back” into Standard Time and longer nights.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, which means you’ll want to turn your old-school clocks back before you go to bed Saturday night, Nov. 5.
Of course, the change is automatic for most smartphones, computers, tablets and other digital devices. When you go to do the time change on your other clocks, you should also change the smoke detector battery, carbon monoxide detectors, alarm clocks, and other safety equipment requiring batteries. The old saying is … “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery”. The rule of thumb is at every time change, your smoke detector battery should be changed as well.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. This reinforces how important it is to take this time each year to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep in mind of the importance of batteries not only in smoke alarms, but also the full range of devices that help keep us safe, secure and comfortable in our homes.
While you’re at it check that date on the back of the detector. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years according to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “A majority of homeowners are unaware of this home maintenance guideline, many homes likely have smoke alarms past their expiration date.” says Kelly Stitzer of CIG Construction a local residential roofer and general contractor. Expired smoke detectors puts people at increased risk in the event of a home fire. People tend to assume that simply having smoke alarms in their home ensures adequate protection from fires, but it takes regular testing and maintenance to ensure a detector is in proper working order. If your smoke detector is hard wired hire a licensed electrician to help change them out.