THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE IS REMINDING TO “CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CHECK YOUR BATTERIES” THIS WEEKEND.

AS YOU “FALL BACK” WHEN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS…FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ SAYS IT’S ALSO A GOOD IDEA TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE ALARM. IF YOU HAVE THE 10 YEAR SEALED ALARM VERSION, GO AHEAD AND PUSH THE TEST BUTTON TO MAKE SURE IT’S WORKING.

FULTZ SAYS FOR OLDER MODELS, GO AHEAD AND CHANGE THE BATTERIES, OR GET A NEW, 10 YEAR ALARM.

ILLINOIS LAW ALSO REQUIRES THAT 10-YEAR SMOKE ALARMS BE INSTALLED IN ALL HOMES BUILT BEFORE 1988 OR THAT DON’T HAVE HARDWIRING BY 2023.

THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION SAYS THAT ABOUT THREE OUT OF EVERY FIVE FIRE DEATHS OCCUR IN HOMES THAT EITHER DON’T HAVE A SMOKE DETECTOR OR HAVE ONE THAT DOESN’T WORK.