Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries!

As Daylight Saving Time approaches, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that when you change your clocks this Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., it’s also time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

Department of Public Safety Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J. Adams encourages all Louisianans to take a few minutes to ensure the life-saving devices in their homes are in proper working order. “The practice of changing your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change your clocks should be second nature to all of us,” said Adams. “These days, as many clocks fall back automatically, it’s especially important for this reminder to reach every Louisiana household. Take a moment right now to put ‘change your clocks, change your batteries’ on your to-do list for this weekend.”

When checking your alarms, also take note of their age. Smoke and CO alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends upgrading to 10-year, sealed battery alarms, which do not require battery replacement during their lifetime. However, these alarms still need to be tested monthly by pressing the “test” button to ensure they are operational.

Families are also encouraged to practice a home escape plan at the same time. Every household should know two ways out of each room and have a designated outdoor meeting place.

“We say it all the time, but it is a fact that smoke alarms save lives,” said Chief Adams. “In 2024, 73 Louisianans died in residential fires. Only three of those homes had working smoke alarms. Four other homes had evidence of smoke alarms, but they were not in working condition. This is why changing your batteries when you change your clocks is so critical.”

So far in 2025, 70 people have died in 52 residential fires across Louisiana, 16 more deaths than this time last year. Only three of those homes had working smoke alarms, while 10 others had alarms that were not operational.

If you need a smoke alarm, the Operation Save-A-Life program can help. This initiative, in partnership with local fire departments, provides and installs free smoke alarms for families in need.

To learn more or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request installation assistance.