Check Smoke Detectors as We Spring Forward

Photo by Quay DeVoll

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- This coming weekend is time change weekend.

Early Sunday morning at 2 o’clock we officially spring forward one hour. But you should also change the battery in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

“This time of year we just like to remind people that when you change your clocks we need to change your batteries. The NFPA [National Fire Protection Association] recommends at a minimum every 6 months you should check those batteries and test your detectors. We like to tell everybody once a month. It’s nice you can put a reminder on your phone, mark it on your calendar. Just whatever day you choose walk through the house give them all a beep and make sure they are all working,” said Newton Township Fire Department Lieutenant Chas Cosgrave.

Cosgrave said it’s important to be sure your detectors are in working order.

“3 out of every 5 fire deaths are in a home with no smoke detector. It’s very important for life safety. If you’re having an issues with installing them or wanting to know if they are still functioning you can always call the station. We’ll do everything we can to give you all the advice that we can” said Cosgrave.

Cosgrave recommends to discard of smoke detectors 10 years or older. He said when in doubt throw it out.