Clocks move forward an hour this month, providing an extra hour of daylight in the evening.
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9 — an ideal reminder for homeowners to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Alarms and detectors are the best way to notify you and your family of a fire.
State law requires that battery-operated smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years from the date of manufacture. Devices should also be tested at least once a month. State law also requires replacing older smoke alarms 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 Carl Young, city fire marshal, at cyoung@rockvillemd.gov.