Change your clocks, change your batteries

We’ll spring forward to begin daylight saving time this Sunday, March 8. The Marysville Fire District encourages residents to change the batteries in your smoke alarms when setting your clocks forward.

Three out of every five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, usually because batteries were missing, disconnected or dead, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Where should I install smoke alarms in my home?

Install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside every sleeping area on each level of your home for the best protection.

Why does my smoke alarm keep chirping?

If there is no smoke or fire, this usually means the smoke alarm’s batteries need replacing. That includes battery-powered smoke alarms and hardwired smoke alarms, which have a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is equipped with a 10-year lifelong battery, replace the entire smoke alarm. If you are unable to change the batteries or install a smoke alarm, contact your local fire department for help.

How do I know if it’s time to get a new smoke alarm?

At a minimum, all smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. This is because aging of electrical components can make smoke alarms less reliable over time and actually produce more false alarms. Dust and other particles can also build up and interfere with the smoke alarm’s operation. We recommend testing your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly. If a smoke alarm is 10 years old or does not function properly after replacing batteries, replace the entire alarm immediately.