Return of daylight saving time is opportunity to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, review home fire escape plans

Working smoke alarms reduce risk of dying in a fire by one-half 
Missourians prepare to "spring forward" for the return to daylight saving time on 
Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean reminds them to use the time change as a reminder to check 
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and home fire safety plans. 
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, when clocks move forward one hour. 
"Changing your clocks is a perfect reminder to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are 
working properly," State Fire Marshal Bean said. "Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 
one-half. Similarly, spend a few minutes reviewing fire escape plans with all members of the family. As we 
renovate our homes and children grow up, it's important to make sure our plans are up to date – and make sure 
they include an outdoor meeting place." 
Home fires remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. Working 
smoke alarms provide early warning, giving families critical time to escape safely. It's essential that all family 
members can react quickly and get out because about one-half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 
a.m., when most people are asleep. Each family member, including children, should know two escape routes 
from every room in their residence. It's important that homes have carbon monoxide alarms in addition to 
smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete 
combustion of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected. 
Smoke Alarms 
• Install alarms inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. 
• Test all smoke alarms monthly. 
• Replace batteries at least once a year unless you have sealed 10-year battery units. 
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. 
CO Alarms 
• Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances. 
• Test monthly. 
• Replace units according to manufacturer guidelines (typically every 5–7 years).

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly a source of fires nationwide. They are used in e-bikes, scooters, power 
tools, and other devices. 
Lithium-Ion Batteries 
• Only use manufacturer-approved chargers. 
• Do not charge devices overnight or unattended. 
• Avoid charging near exits or combustible materials. 
• Replace damaged or overheating batteries immediately. 
Follow the Division of Fire on Facebook at facebook.com/mofiresafety/ and X at @MoFireMarshal