posted on 3/6/2026
As clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., fire safety experts urge residents to use this biannual time change as a crucial opportunity to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Dover Fire and Rescue encourages residents to take potentially lifesaving action by replacing batteries in smoke detectors and testing all devices during the time change. Officials also recommend checking on elderly relatives, neighbors and friends to ensure their detectors are functioning properly.
"We see a disturbing pattern where eight out of 10 child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms," said Dover Fire Chief Brendan Driscoll. "This preventable tragedy highlights the necessity of installing sufficient smoke detectors throughout your home and establishing a consistent maintenance routine tied to the clock changes. Even hardwired units require battery backups to function during power failures."
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly three-quarters of smoke alarm failures during fires were caused by missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Changing batteries at least once a year, testing alarms monthly and promoting these practices among community members represent some of the simplest yet most effective strategies for preventing fire deaths and injuries.
