The “Fall Back” Reminder

Why Winter Increases Risk

Between November and February, home fires and carbon monoxide incidents rise sharply. Performing maintenance in November helps safeguard your home before these hazards peak.

Most of the United States returns to standard time on the first Sunday in November. Safety organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promote the slogan *“Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries”* to encourage homeowners to make detector maintenance a yearly habit. Pairing this task with the time change ensures batteries and devices are checked at least once a year.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Use the “Fall Back” weekend to complete these essential safety steps:

Test All Alarms: Press the test button on every smoke and CO detector to confirm proper function.

Check Expiration Dates: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO detectors every 5–7 years. Check the manufacturing date on each unit.

Clean Detectors: Gently vacuum or wipe away dust and cobwebs that could block sensors.

Review Your Escape Plan: Take the opportunity to practice a home fire drill with your household, identifying two exits per room and a safe meeting point outside.

Inspect fire extinguishers: Check for any damage, corrosion, or clogs in your home's fire extinguishers and ensure they are easily accessible.

Fire Risks

Heating Equipment: Furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters see heavy use in winter. Faulty or improper operation is a leading cause of home fires.

Holiday Season: Decorations, candles, and increased cooking during the holidays add potential ignition sources.

More Time Indoors: Longer indoor hours in colder months mean more opportunities for accidents and fire hazards.

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Fuel-Burning Appliances: Turning on heating systems, gas stoves, or water heaters raises CO risk—especially if vents are blocked or equipment malfunctions.

Blocked Vents: Snow, ice, and leaves can obstruct exhaust vents, causing CO to back up into living spaces.

Improper Equipment Use: Running portable generators or grills indoors during power outages can quickly lead to deadly CO buildup.