Time change signals warning to ensure alarms function

The switch to daylight saving time has become more than just a reminder for homeowners to change their clocks. Each year as Americans "spring forward," they know it's also the time to check their household safety products, specifically smoke alarms.

Over the years, "Time Change Sunday," which occurs this Sunday, has become practically synonymous with changing smoke alarm batteries thanks to years of educational outreach by fire safety organizations and manufacturers of home safety equipment. And the effort appears to be working. According to a recent study by First Alert, one of the most recognized safety brands in America, more than 79 percent of Americans changed the batteries in their smoke alarms last year.

But changing batteries regularly won't be enough to protect a home and family if a smoke alarm isn't working properly. It's just as important -- if not more so -- to regularly assess the age and condition of the alarms throughout the home. First Alert recommends that smoke alarms be tested every month and immediately replaced if they fail or if they are 10 years or older.

To test a smoke alarm, simply press the "test/silence" button located on the front of the alarm. If the alarm is functioning properly, it will make a beeping noise. If pressed and no noise is created, the alarm is not functioning properly; try changing the batteries or replace the unit completely.

A typical, well-maintained smoke alarm can provide as many as 10 years or 87,000 hours of service. If your alarms are approaching or exceed this time frame, or if you can't recall when they were installed, replace them immediately.

Fire safety professionals recommend that batteries in smoke alarms be replaced every six months, using the switch from daylight saving time to standard time and vice versa as reminders.

Information courtesy First Alert