Daylight Saving Time Ends

Did you remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed last night?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. this morning.

Most computers and cell phones automatically roll back, so no need to adjust those.

With the time change, local fire departments encourages everyone to use this weekend as a reminder to check your smoke alarms.

Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from fire officials:

• Place properly installed and maintained smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Interconnected smoke alarms are best, because if one sounds, they all sound. 

• Get smoke alarms that can sound fast to all types of fires.  Every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

• Inspect, test and clean smoke alarms and change alkaline batteries at least once every year, or when the alarm signals (“chirps”) the end of the battery life. You can use a date you already know, like your birthday or when you change your clocks as a reminder.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions if you have a 10-year smoke alarm which uses a long-life lithium battery.

• Never paint over a smoke alarm.

• Replace your smoke alarm at least every ten years.

• Practice exit drills so everyone understands what to do when they hear a smoke alarm.

Keep your smoke alarm working, NEVER REMOVE BATTERIES FROM YOUR ALARM.