Time to Change Clocks, Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

This text was provided by Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan

The State Fire Marshal's office urged people to think about safety when they change their clocks for Daylight Saving, Sunday at 2 a.m.:

"Remember that on Sunday, March 13, when you change your clocks, change your batteries," said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.

“Every second weekend in March, we turn the clocks ahead one hour. This is a good time to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Coan said. “March is one of the months where many fatal fires occur. They happen where we feel safest—at home–and at night when most people are sleeping. Making sure the smoke alarms are working is a simple, effective way to help your family survive an unexpected fire."

“A working smoke alarm can double your family’s chance of surviving a fire and when combined with a home escape plan that is actually practiced, the chances are greater,” said Coan. “Many smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in our homes either run on battery power or have a battery back-up in case the power fails.”

Not all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms use batteries, but many do. Some have a 10-year lithium battery that only needs to be changed once a decade.

A few simple steps like checking smoke alarms, developing a family communications plan and putting an emergency kit together can go a long way toward keeping families safe, according to Federal Emergency officials.

"Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation's emergency management team," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone, as they spring forward this year, to also take a few minutes to check their smoke alarms and talk through what your family would do during an emergency.  Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency."

Information on preparing for emergencies can be found at Ready.gov. Steps include developing a communications plan to ensure family members know how to get in touch with each other during an emergency, putting together an emergency kit and staying informed of potential risks.