MD State Fire Marshal advises homeowners to change smoke alarm batteries this weekend

Daylight savings begins this Saturday and the Maryland State Fire Marshal says this is a good time to change the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire prevention experts say batteries in detectors should be changed every year and daylight savings time is typically the time this reminder goes out.

Maryland’s Deputy state fire marshal Bruce Bouch says this also a great time to go over an escape plan for you and your family. You should identify two escape routes, this way if there is an emergency you can all make it out together as quickly as possible. But knowing that your devices in your home work, could save your life.

Bouch tells 47 ABC, “Recognizing that these do work is the first part of the plan, ensuring that the batteries are up to date and new so that they work when the time would’ve come that’s the second part of the phase. It’s always best to stay ahead of the game and ensure that they are going to work if something does occur.”

It’s also important to note that as of July 2013, a new law went into effect concerning battery only smoke alarms that are used in Maryland residential properties. These battery only smoke alarms must be replaced with units powered by sealed-in, ten-year long-life batteries.

Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and the updates to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law are part of a nationwide trend to ensure new and replacement smoke alarms have the most effective technology available. If you have questions about what smoke alarms are appropriate for your home or business, contact your local fire department.