Olympia– Daylight saving time began on Sunday, March 8, 2025, at 2 a.m., when clocks moved forward one hour. The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages Washington residents to take this opportunity to replace the batteries in their home smoke alarms as well. Working smoke alarms are one of the most important elements of home fire safety and provide critical early notification in the event of a fire. The SFMO also encourages residents to check in with family members, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults, to make sure their smoke alarms are working properly.
Working smoke alarms save lives. The SFMO encourages you to follow these safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of the home. Ensure they are interconnected so that if one sounds, all of them do.
- Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they are working properly.
- Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling and/or in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep smoke alarms at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove to prevent false alarms, ideally in a hallway or other appropriate area.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to last up to 10 years. If the alarm starts chirping due to low battery, replace the entire unit immediately.
- Smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired. Those equipped with strobe lights flash when the alarm sounds, providing a visual warning.
- For people who are hearing impaired and asleep, consider using a pillow or bed shaker device to alert them to a fire. Many shakers activate in response to the sound of a smoke alarm. Research and choose products that best suit your needs.
- Remember: Closing bedroom doors at night can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire, so make it a habit to close your door before going to sleep.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3904.
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