Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries When You Change Your Clocks

Daylight Saving Time is more than just setting clocks forward - it is an important reminder to check your home’s fire protection systems.

Installing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is essential, but installation alone is not enough. Twice each year, when you change your clocks, you should:

• Replace batteries in all smoke and CO alarms

• Test each alarm using the test button

• Clean alarms by gently vacuuming or dusting to remove debris

Establishing this habit every spring and fall can save lives.

Why It Matters

• More than half of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke or CO alarms.

• Although most homes have at least one smoke alarm, nearly one-third do not function properly.

• The most common cause of alarm failure is missing or dead batteries.

While many alarms will chirp when batteries are low, residents should never rely solely on that warning. Proactive battery replacement every six months ensures reliable performance.

After testing alarms, make sure every member of the household recognizes the alarm sound and knows to respond immediately.

Spring Cleaning for Fire Prevention

Spring is also the ideal time to reduce hidden fire hazards caused by dust, grease, and electrical wear.

Small Appliances

• Remove dust and grime from appliance surfaces and electrical cords.

• Wipe down kitchen appliances with a slightly damp cloth to remove grease buildup.

• Clean grease trays beneath toaster ovens.

Accumulated grease and debris can ignite under the right conditions.

Large Appliances

• Clean behind and beneath washers and dryers.

• Remove lint from dryer vents and exhaust systems.

• Vacuum or wipe down refrigerator condenser coils to prevent overheating.

• Empty and clean drip trays in self-defrosting refrigerators.

Lint and dust buildup near appliances is a leading cause of preventable home fires.

Electrical Cord Safety

• Inspect cords for fraying, splitting, or exposed wires.

• Replace damaged cords immediately.

• Plug electronics into power strips with circuit breaker protection.

• Avoid overloading outlets.

• Keep cords at least 2–3 inches away from walls to allow heat dissipation.

• Never run cords under rugs or carpeting.

Damaged or improperly placed cords can lead to electrical fires.

A Seasonal Habit That Saves Lives

Spring cleaning is about more than tidying up - it is about protecting your home and your family. By maintaining smoke and CO alarms, cleaning appliances, and inspecting electrical systems, you significantly reduce the risk of fire.

Make fire safety part of your seasonal routine. A few simple steps taken today can prevent tragedy tomorrow.

For additional fire prevention information or to schedule a community safety presentation, contact your local fire department’s Community Risk Reduction Division.