When Changing Clocks, Check Smoke Alarms

South Dakota’s Fire Marshal says there are two things South Dakotans need to do this weekend: reset their clocks and check their smoke alarms.

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. That means pushing your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

Fire Marshal Paul Merriman suggests it also is a good time to switch batteries in smoke alarms.

Merriman says smoke alarms should be changed about twice a year.

He says the National Fire Protection Association says nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms.

Other safety tips involving smoke alarms include:

 

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

 

  • Test alarms at least monthly by pressing the test button.

 

  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Do it sooner if the alarms don’t respond properly.