October 29, 2026
As daylight saving time comes to an end, the Chambersburg Fire Department reminds residents to turn their clocks back one hour and take a few minutes to check their smoke alarms.
This seasonal time change is a great opportunity to make sure your home’s smoke alarms are working properly and providing the protection your family needs. Working smoke alarms provide an early warning in the event of a fire, giving occupants valuable time to get out safely.
The Chambersburg Fire Department encourages residents to take the following steps:
- Test your smoke alarms: Press the test button on each alarm to ensure it is working properly.
- Replace batteries when needed: If your smoke alarm uses replaceable batteries, replace them as necessary. If an alarm continues to chirp after a battery change, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Clean your alarms: Dust and debris can affect performance, so clean your alarms according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Check the age of your alarms: Replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's guidelines, typically when they reach 10 years old.
- Make sure alarms are properly placed: Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Interconnected alarms provide additional protection by sounding together when one activates.
Residents should also take this opportunity to review their home fire escape plan with everyone in the household. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room when possible, identifies an outside meeting place, and understands the importance of getting out and staying out during a fire.
A few minutes spent checking your smoke alarms can make a significant difference in an emergency. As you adjust your clocks this season, make fire safety part of your routine.
