FREEHOLD, NJ – As you set your clocks forward one hour this weekend, be sure to also test the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home or office. 

“Twice a year, residents should test their smoke alarms and CO detectors,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “The spring and fall time changes are perfect reminders to test this equipment and, if your detectors are battery operated, you should change the batteries as well.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape in the event of a fire in your home. It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents. A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It never sleeps.

“Residents with hard-wired systems should be testing their detector systems monthly and change the batteries annually. The spring time change is a perfect annual reminder,” County Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III said. “If you do not have smoke detectors and CO detectors in your home, you should purchase and install some detectors immediately.”

Stryker recommends that residents follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions because there are differences between the various brands.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers additional tips about smoke alarms:

• 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.
• Never disable smoke alarms while cooking. Instead, open a window or door and press the “hush” button, wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change alkaline batteries at least once every year, or as instructed by the manufacturer. You can use a date you already know, like your birthday or when you change your clocks as a reminder.