Daylight Saving Time officially begins Sunday, March 10th at 2 am when the time “springs ahead” one hour to 3 am. When we change our clocks it is also a good time to change the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s recommended that batteries be changed every 6 months to ensure that these life saving devices are working properly. A great way to remember to change the batteries every 6 months is to always change them in the spring and the fall when we change our clocks. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are hardwired into your home’s electric still have a battery for backup during a power outage that also needs to be changed. There are some smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that have batteries built into them that are not meant to be changed, these devices will be sealed so that you cannot access the battery. Replace all smoke alarms every ten years. Most carbon monoxide detectors have a shorter lifespan than smoke alarms and have an end of life signal when it’s time to replace them. There should be a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including your basement. Smoke alarms should also be located in hallways outside of bedrooms and inside of bedrooms. Carbon monoxide detectors need to be located within 15 feet of sleeping areas. Test all alarms/detectors monthly and maintain them according to manufacturer’s instructions. For more information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors please visit the National Fire Protection Association web site at www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms and www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/carbon-monoxide. You may also call the Plainfield Fire Protection District at 815-436-5335 or visit our web site at www.plainfieldfpd.com.