New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms This Weekend

• Posted on: 03/8/2024

Division Issues Smoke and CO Alarm Reminder as Daylight Saving Time Ends

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (DFS) reminds residents that daylight saving time ends this Sunday, March 10 and is a good time to make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home are in proper working order.

“When we ‘spring forward’ each year, it serves as our reminder to ensure that our household smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order,” said Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home are some of the best ways to protect your family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Double-checking these alarms when we change our clocks could be a life-saving decision.”

New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky advises the following steps should be followed when assessing and examining smoke and CO alarms in your home:

• Install smoke and CO alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Replace them with 10-year sealed battery models.
• Be sure smoke and CO alarms include the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

"In addition to checking smoke and CO alarms, it is also important to create and practice a fire escape plan," said State Fire Marshal Mikutsky. "You only have a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm goes off.”

He offers the following tips:

• Know at least two ways out of your home, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place at a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home twice a year.
• Practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.
• Close interior doors before going to bed.
• Check the exhaust screen on home clothes dryers and remove accumulated lint, which is a common fire hazard in the home.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the state. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness, and conducting firefighter training programs.

In addition to fire safety, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: