TRENTON, NJ – It’s almost that time of year. The day we set clocks back across New Jersey and get a highly coveted extra hour of sleep.
As the clocks fall back on November 5, it serves as a reminder to inspect your home’s safety devices. Fire departments and safety experts across New Jersey recommend taking this time to ensure all alarms—smoke and otherwise—are in working condition.
A rule for smoke alarms dictates that they should be replaced every 10 years. This standard applies to both stand-alone and hard-wired units. If your alarms are nearing the end of their decade-long lifespan, it’s advisable to upgrade to the newer sealed units, which are also available in hard-wired models.
Having functioning smoke alarms is not just a safety precaution but a life-saving necessity. Experts recommend installing these alarms on every floor of your home, as well as inside sleeping areas.
The aim is to provide maximum coverage so that in the event of a fire, residents can be alerted as quickly as possible, increasing chances of a safe evacuation.
So as you set your clocks back this fall, make sure to also turn your attention to the alarms that help keep you and your family safe. Consider it a bi-annual safety ritual that could very well save lives.
Setting your clocks back isn’t just about getting an extra hour out of the day, it’s also about getting the reassurance that your family is protected from fire in the future.