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Image source: Department of Fire Services.
Remember to "fall back" one hour - Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 a.m. At that time, turn your clocks back to 1:00 a.m. For convenience and a good night's sleep, go ahead and turn back the clock right before bedtime.
It's also a good time to remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“Working smoke and CO alarms are your family’s first line of defense against an emergency at home,” said Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Davine. “As we ‘fall back’ this weekend, please take a few minutes to be sure you and your loved ones are protected.”
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually sometime between every 5 to 10 years.
For alarms that don't need to be replaced, Daylight Saving Time is a good time to replace batteries to ensure they will work when needed.
When purchasing new alarms, State Fire Marshal Davine and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts recommend:
- Choose photoelectric alarms from a well-known, national brand.
- Look for the mark of an independent testing lab like UL or Intertek/ETL.
- Select alarms with a sealed, long-life battery and a “hush” feature.”
- Alarms that meet UL Standard 217, 8th edition or later, use the latest multi-criteria technology to reduce nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke.
Along with checking your fire and carbon monoxide alarms, State Fire Marshal Davine recommends creating and practicing a home escape plan.
“Changes to building construction and furnishings mean we have less time to escape a fire at home than ever before,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “You could have just three minutes to get out safely.”
“Working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan are among the most fundamental and important tools for surviving a fire,” said Chief Purcell. “Be sure everyone in the home knows what to do and where to go when the alarm sounds, including young children, older adults, and persons with disabilities.”
Fire officials recommend planning two ways out of the building, the apartment, and each room if possible. Be sure to select a family meeting spot a safe distance from the building.
