PIKESVILLE — As we prepare to turn our clocks back for the end of daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, Maryland’s Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray reminds everyone to take a simple, lifesaving step: Change your clocks, check your alarms.
Recognizing that working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can double a family’s chance of survival during a home fire or CO emergency, Mowbray says the beginning and end of daylight saving time is an ideal opportunity to test alarms and replace batteries.
It has been 12 years since a law was enacted that requires all battery-only smoke alarms sold in the state of Maryland to be 10-year sealed lithium battery models.
Any older 9-volt or similar battery alarms should be replaced immediately with the newer, long-life models designed to remain effective for up to 10 years.
Homes equipped with 120-volt electric smoke alarms also should have those units replaced every 10 years with new models that include a battery backup.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, hallway and common area outside sleeping spaces, and on every level of the home.
One of the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s most impactful initiatives is the Get Alarmed Maryland program, a public-facing portal that allows residents to request smoke alarms directly through the office.
Since relaunching the program in May 2025, the agency has installed nearly 350 smoke alarms and 63 carbon monoxide detectors statewide, according to a news release.
The initiative also is supported by a new data-tracking system that helps target future fire prevention campaigns and identify areas of greatest need.
Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, having and practicing a home escape plan is another critical step in preventing injury or death. Families should identify at least two ways out of every room and practice their plan together.
“Testing your smoke alarms and CO detectors, replacing outdated equipment and practicing a home escape plan are among the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself,” Mowbray said in the news release.
Mowbray also reminds everyone to keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping.
A closed door can block smoke, heat and toxic gases, allowing more time to escape or be rescued.
If you escape from a fire, close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames and limit oxygen to the fire.
