As you’re turning your clocks back one hour for Daylight Saving Time this weekend, it’s an excellent time to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good shape. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the death rate for home fires without a working smoke alarm is twice as high as incidents where smoke alarms were active. The NFPA adds that dead batteries cause 25% of smoke alarm failures. Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds tells Raccoon Valley Radio daylight saving brings a great opportunity to establish a routine of smoke detector maintenance, “When you change your clocks, change your batteries. By doing that, (you’re) always changing your batteries; twice a year is a good time to be doing that. Keep your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors functioning properly and looking at those, making sure that they’re clean, not dusty and dirty. No matter how clean your home is, dust accumulates in places like that, especially when they’re high up on the ceilings and out of reach.” 

Hinds recommends having a smoke detector inside each bedroom, common area, and on every level of your home. Smoke detectors are not designed to last forever, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions to maintain and replace the equipment.