Outdated Alarms May Not Protect You When Needed Most, Fire Marshal Says

With daylight saving time now underway, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms after changing their clocks.

“Smoke and CO alarms save lives, but only if they’re working properly,” said Davine. “Take a moment to check the manufacturing date printed on the back of the device and replace any alarms that have gone out of date. And unless you have newer alarms with sealed, long-life batteries, this is a good time to replace the alkaline batteries in all your alarms.”

Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years. Carbon monoxide alarms need replacement after 5, 7, or 10 years, depending on the make and model. If there is no date on the alarm, it should be replaced.

Of the 44 fire deaths in Massachusetts last year, 90% occurred in residential settings, and many took place overnight or in the early morning hours. Fire officials say smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling of each bedroom and in the hallway outside sleeping areas.

More than half of last year’s residential fire deaths involved adults age 65 and older. Davine encouraged residents to check on older relatives, friends, and neighbors who may need help installing, testing, or replacing alarms. Seniors can also contact their local fire department, council on aging, or senior center for assistance through programs such as the Department of Fire Services’ Senior SAFE grant program.

Massachusetts firefighters respond to about 5,000 calls each year where carbon monoxide is detected. Because the gas cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, working CO alarms are the only way to detect it. If a CO alarm sounds, residents should get outside to fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1.