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# Reminder: Change smoke alarm batteries when clock springs forward

By Jamie MacFarlane, Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Richmond Fire Inspector

                RICHMOND, Va.  –              
The upcoming March 10 Daylight Saving time change marks the perfect biannual reminder to change all smoke alarm batteries, according to the DLA Fire Prevention Office team.

In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association requires all residential structures to have smoke alarms installed inside and outside every sleeping area and at every level of one’s home. This is mainly due to modern building materials and household furnishings being more flammable.

Fire and smoke will spread more quickly now than before when natural building materials were used, making it vital to have adequate smoke alarms to provide full coverage in one’s home. Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors give an early warning so all can get outside quickly. 

It’s essential to fix any malfunctioning smoke alarm before an emergency arises. If it chirps, replace the battery. It should be replaced immediately if it goes off randomly or for no reason at all. If it’s a potential nuisance alarm, treat it as an actual alarm and evacuate immediately. If your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector is malfunctioning, replace it immediately. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms failures are due to missing, dead or disconnected batteries. 

Smoke alarms are some of the most neglected, least maintained equipment in most homes, making biannual daylight savings time the perfect opportunity to remember to change batteries in that equipment. Additional smoke alarm tips include:
                              - If a smoke alarm is chirping, change the battery. The chirp alerts users that the device battery is low.
                              - Proactively change the batteries in smoke alarms every six months. 
                              - Test smoke detectors monthly or per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
                              - Ensure a smoke detector is installed in every bedroom and on every home floor.
                              - Smoke detectors have a 10-year life expectancy, so replace them at least once a decade. The manufacture date should be listed inside the detector.
                              - Some smoke detectors have non-replaceable 10-year batteries; these remain effective for up to 10 years.
                              - Do not paint or cover smoke detectors. 

For any questions, contact the DLA Richmond Fire Prevention office at 804-279-6782.

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National Fire Protection AssociationDLA Installation Management RichmondDLA AviationDaylight Saving Time