Do you know what time it is? Time to check those smoke detectors and install fresh batteries

Here’s a reminder from your analogue past: It’s time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Now that watches, clocks and other devices that keep time — including many modern home appliances — are wirelessly connected to the internet and magically switch to standard time and back again to daylight saving time at the appropriate moments, without human intervention, it’s easier to forget about putting fresh batteries in the smoke detectors around your home.

But now’s the time. Standard time arrived at 2 a.m. today, and with it the bonus of an extra hour of shuteye. Unless, of course, your internal clock didn’t get the memo.

To mark the occasion, the American Red Cross urges everyone to test their smoke detectors today and replace the batteries if needed.

The National Fire Protection Association says home smoke detector batteries should be changed once a year. NFPA also recommends testing smoke detectors weekly and changing batteries immediately if the detector starts chirping.

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away, NFPA says.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter CEO Jose Dominguez said in a press release. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. “When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Home fires account for most of the about 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to annually across the country, the organization said in the press release. Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 1,400 people on Long Island affected by more than 250 home fires.

For home fire prevention and safety tips, visit the Red Cross website, where you will find help for creating an escape plan for your family and other useful information.

The Red Cross says:

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Request a smoke alarm or sign up to volunteer for the Long Island Home Fire Campaign.