Spring Forward: Use Time Change to Check Detectors, Says Bristol, VA Fire Department

BRISTOL, Va. – As the city prepares to move their clocks an hour forward to commence Daylight Saving Time, the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department takes this as an opportunity to remind the residents about the importance of checking their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “Spring forward” is more than just adjusting time; it is also about ensuring the safety of the home. The time change will officially begin this Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 a.m.

Checking Detectors: A Life-Saving Measure

Fire officials highlight that the act of moving the clock forward offers a timely reminder to homeowners to check their detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Proper working condition of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

“During the time change, it’s very important to check your smoke detectors and replace your batteries twice a year, to make sure the smoke detectors work,” advises Lt. Josh Wilkinson, of the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department.

For those who might require assistance with the detectors or aren’t sure how to check or replace the batteries, the fire department is offering to lend a helping hand. “If they need assistance, they can always call the fire department, and we will be happy to come out and assist them with that.”

Advice from the American Red Cross

Not only should batteries be replaced, but the American Red Cross advises that smoke alarms themselves should be replaced every 10 years. This is in line with the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as smoke detectors can become desensitized over time, reducing their effectiveness.

Staying Safe

As we brace ourselves for an extra hour of daylight, let us remember to place a premium on safety. Simple routines, like checking the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time, can go a long way in reducing home fire incidents. Thanks to reminders from organizations such as the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department, these life-saving devices should never be overlooked.

As we ‘spring forward’, let’s make sure we’re not just changing our clocks, but also securing the safety of our homes. Together, we can make Bristol a safer place to live.