Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 a.m. The Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety and local fire departments are asking residents to change smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries when time “falls back.” Clocks should be turned back one hour on Sunday.
“Having smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home is essential,” said Richard E. Constable III, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Now is an excellent opportunity to change the batteries, test the alarms, and ensure they are working properly.”
Constable notes that the seasonal time change is used by the fire service as a timely reminder. According to Division of Fire Safety statistics, residential fires account for more than 80 percent of all fires in the state.
Everyone should regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. All households should have alarms located outside a bedroom on every floor, including the basement.
In addition to changing batteries, residents should replace the alarms often. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced after ten and five years, respectively. There new fire safety advancements include home monitoring via smart phones. The Nest is a product that communicates wirelessly throughout the home; sends alerts to homeowners’ cell phones; and provides voice command alerts, as well as traditional beeps.
The DCA is asking residents to consider a few other fire prevention measures when turning the clock and replacing smoke and CO alarms batteries. Families should prepare a disaster supply kit that includes water, food, flashlights, batteries and blankets. Households should also devise an emergency exit plan, and practice these routes with adults at least twice a year, including at night. This way everyone knows the proper action when the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds.
For more information, visit www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dfs/, or call (609) 633-6106.
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