Daylight Saving Time ended this past weekend, and experts recommend using the time change as a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

With colder weather and the approaching holidays, home furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances will get more use, making working smoke and CO alarms a necessity. 

Use the gained hour this Daylight Saving Time to protect your family:

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly to make sure they are working. CPSC recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
• Change the batteries: Batteries should be replaced in alarms at least once each year, unless the alarms have sealed 10-year batteries. Replace the smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old.
• Make a fire escape plan: Make sure there are two ways out from each room and a clear path to outside from each exit. Once out, stay out of the house.
• Close bedroom doors: During a fire, closed bedroom doors can slow the spread and allow extra moments to get to safety.