The gloom of winter is just about behind us……Daylight Savings Time is finally here! At 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8th, the time will “Spring Forward” one hour. Be sure to set your clock’s before you go to bed on Saturday to account for the time change.
Your clocks are not the only thing that you should be changing this weekend. Daylight Savings Time is also a great time to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors! These alarm systems serve as an important line of defense in keeping you and your family safe. Since no electronic device is infallible, they require regular check ups and routine maintenance. After you change their batteries this weekend, take the time to also test each device to ensure they are working properly.
How To Test Your Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors emit a very loud, high pitched sound. This is very important in alerting you when there is a true emergency, but can also be quite scary when you aren’t expecting it. Be sure to alert your family members, especially children, ahead of time that you will be testing the detectors so that they are not startled by the noise. If you have pets, place them somewhere far away from the noise as the pitch can be hurtful to their ears.
- Position a family member at a spot within your home that is the furthest away from the device you are testing at that moment. They should be able to hear the alarm loud and clear no matter where they are in the home. If the noise is in anyway muffled or low, you should add additional detectors to your home. There should be a carbon monoxide and smoke detector located on every level of your home, including the basement. It is especially important to have the devices near every sleeping area.
- Test the detectors by pressing and holding the “Test” button. The alarm should sound within a second or two. We know we just told you to change the batteries, which needs to be done yearly, but do not assume that that means your device will automatically be in working order. It is still important to test the device after installing the new batteries to ensure every thing else in the detector is still operating properly. If you detectors are reaching the end of their lifespans, 5 to 7 years for carbon monoxide detectors and 10 years for smoke detectors, install brand new devices in those locations.
Keep you and your family safe in your North Iowa home all year round by testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors this weekend. If you are looking to buy or sell your home this spring, Jane Fischer & Associates is here to help! Give us a call today at 641-424-HOME (4663) or visit our website at https://www.janefischer.com/.