Daylight saving time begins March 11, which is the ideal reminder for homeowners to check their smoke alarms while setting clocks forward.
State law from 2013 requires that battery-operated smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years from the date of manufacture. The devices should also be tested at least once a month.
State law also calls for older smoke alarms to be replaced with new, sealed, long-life battery-powered smoke alarms. Hardwired 120-volt electric smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years with new 120-volt smoke alarms with battery backup to ensure proper and timely operation in a fire.
Homeowners with hardwired smoke alarms should not replace their devices with battery-powered alarms. Fire code-compliant smoke alarms can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
For more information visit www.rockvillemd.gov/firesafety or email Timothy Diehl, city fire marshal, at tdiehl@rockvillemd.gov.