The Iowa City Fire Department is reminding residents to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks forward one hour during daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

Maintaining smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce injury and death caused by a fire. 

As we “spring forward” the Fire Department recommends residents do the following:

• Check the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with removable batteries
• Check 10-year sealed smoke alarms or those with 10-year batteries installed for date of installation of alarm or battery and replace as recommended by the manufacturer
• Check smoke alarms for date of manufacture usually located on the back of the alarm and replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pushing the test button monthly
• Develop a fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room in the house
• Practice the fire escape plan with your entire family
• Prepare a home safety kit that includes a working flashlight and fresh batteries

Those with questions can contact Iowa City Fire Marshal Brian Greer at 319-356-5257.