Spring Forward: My Dad Says Change Your Clocks, Your Smoke Detector Batteries

I’ll tell you a secret. Many years ago, I missed a plane due to the time change. This was in the days before cellphones and auto updating clocks. We never heard about it on the TV or, radio. So, we never changed the time. The next day, I arrive at the airport ready to check in and was informed the plane already left. The airline was gracious in rebooking me and I really missed nothing on the other end. However, this did cause my Dad to helpfully remind me of each successive time change. It’s become a point of some joking between us.

So, with this time change on Sunday, March 13th, 2016 at 2 AM to Daylight Saving Time it’s time to do two things.

1) “Spring” all non-digital clocks forward one hour.

This includes most wall hanging clocks, microwaves and the VCR (if you still have one). Most smartphones, computers, tablets and other digital devices will make this change automatically.

2) Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries

Your smoke detectors are one of your few lines of defense in the event of a fire. Change the batteries in your detectors every time you change the time. And you’ll never have to worry. In addition, if your detectors are 10 yrs old (or older) the Red Cross states that you should replace your smoke detectors.

The death rate per 100 reported fires was more than twice as high in homes with no or no working smoke alarms – NFPA

How to Change Your Smoke Detector Battery

1. Locate all the smoke detectors in your home. There should be one in each bedroom and one in each common area. Note the number.
2. Go to the store and buy the number of 9-volt batteries that coincides with the number of smoke detectors in your home.
3. Changing the smoke detector battery

changing smoke detector battery

Remove the old battery by either sliding the cover back or, removing the smoke detector by twisting it off the smoke detector’s base/mounting plate.

When removing the battery note the polarity (e.g. which side is bigger) and install the new battery. If yours is like in the picture above, just pull out the old battery and install the new one. Easy as cake.

If you do both of these things, you’ll be on time and safe. And that’s a pretty good combination. And, you’ll avoid your Dad calling to remind you.

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