TRENTON, NJ – As New Jersey residents prepare to turn their clocks back one hour tonight for the end of Daylight Saving Time, fire officials are urging everyone to also test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
The seasonal time change serves as a critical reminder to inspect safety devices, replace batteries, and make sure every alarm in the home is working properly.
Officials say these few minutes of effort can make the difference between life and death in the event of a home fire or gas emergency.
Key Points
- Clocks fall back one hour tonight as Daylight Saving Time ends
- New Jersey fire officials urge residents to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Functional alarms and fresh batteries dramatically reduce fire fatalities
State officials promote fire safety during clock change
The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and local fire departments across the state are using the clock change to remind families that smoke detectors should be tested monthly and have their batteries replaced at least once a year. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be checked for proper function and replaced if more than seven years old.
Working alarms save lives
According to the National Fire Protection Association, having working smoke alarms in the home cuts the risk of dying in a fire by half. Many fatal fires occur in homes without functioning alarms or with disconnected devices.
Quick checks, lasting protection
State fire officials stress that taking a few minutes this weekend to inspect alarms can prevent tragedy later. “When you change your clocks, change your batteries,” a fire safety spokesperson said. “It’s a simple step that saves lives.”
Residents are also encouraged to review home escape plans, ensure alarms are installed in every sleeping area, and confirm that carbon monoxide detectors are placed near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances. As clocks fall back, officials say it’s the perfect moment to reset more than the time—reset your home safety, too.