Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday! Longmont Fire Services is reminding residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the clocks move one hour ahead this week (Sunday, March 12, 2017).

Longmont Fire Marshal Michele Goldman said, “Home fires have resulted in over $10 billion in property damage over the last 4-5 years. A working smoke detector that is properly maintained can be the difference in the life safety, injury prevention and property damage.”

Here’s what you need to know:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

 For more about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms