Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

Daylight saving time begins this weekend. That means it's time to change your clock AND change your batteries.

The South Dakota Fire Marshal's Office is asking South Dakotans to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when resetting their clocks for daylight saving time.

"This is a good opportunity for folks to make sure the batteries in their smoke detectors are still working. Just hit the test button on the alarm. If it doesn't sound, you likely need new batteries," said Al Christie, South Dakota Fire Marshal. 

Below are more guidelines for keeping you and your family safe from fire.

• At least once a month, press the test button to check your detector.If the detector doesn't sound, replace the batteries.If this doesn't solve the problem, replace the unit.

For maximum protection, smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home.

• Smoke detectors lose sensitivity over time and should be replaced periodically.Smoke detectors are usually good for about ten years.
  

• Periodically clean smoke detectors using a vacuum attachment.This removes particles that could interfere with the detector's proper operation.