Change Your Clocks, Check Your Smoke Alarms

Maryland's 10-Year Smoke Alarm Law

Maryland law requires battery-only smoke alarms to be replaced with approved models equipped with sealed, non-removable 10-year batteries. These newer alarms eliminate the need for routine battery replacement and are designed to provide protection for up to 10 years.

The law took effect in 2013, with compliance requirements for older battery-operated alarms in place by January 1, 2018.

If your home still has older-style battery-operated smoke alarms that use replaceable 9-volt or similar batteries, now is the time to replace the entire alarm with a newer, 10-year sealed-battery model.

For homes equipped with hardwired smoke alarms, replacement requirements may differ. Hardwired alarms should be replaced with appropriate hardwired models, generally with battery backup. Required hardwired alarms should never be replaced with battery-only units.

What Should You Do When Changing Your Clocks?

The SMVFA encourages all Southern Maryland residents to take the following precautions:

• Test every smoke alarm. Press the test button to verify that each alarm operates properly. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.

• Check the manufacture date. Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years after their manufacture date, even if they still sound when tested.

• Replace outdated battery-operated alarms. If you still have an older alarm with a removable battery, upgrade to an approved 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarm.

• Check hardwired alarms. If your alarm has a replaceable backup battery, follow the manufacturer's instructions for battery replacement and maintenance.

• Check your carbon monoxide alarms. Test these devices and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery and alarm replacement.

• Review your family's escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room, where to meet outside, and how to call 911 once safely outside.

Don't Confuse Changing Batteries with Replacing Smoke Alarms

One important distinction for residents is that newer 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarms do not require annual battery changes. Their batteries are permanently installed and cannot be replaced.

When one of these alarms reaches the end of its service life, the entire unit must be replaced.

Residents should also remember that a smoke alarm's 10-year lifespan is measured from its date of manufacture, not the date it was installed.

A smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old should be replaced, regardless of whether it is battery-operated or hardwired.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire, allowing occupants valuable time to escape before conditions become life-threatening.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas, consistent with applicable requirements. Families should also practice their home fire escape plans regularly.

Residents who need assistance obtaining smoke alarms may qualify for the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal's Get Alarmed Maryland program, which provides smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to eligible households.

The Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association encourages everyone to use this weekend's time change as an opportunity to improve fire safety in their homes.

When you change your clocks, check your alarms. If you still have outdated smoke alarms, don't just change the batteries. Replace the alarms.

A few minutes of prevention can make a significant difference in protecting your family.