State Fire Marshal Urges Missourians to Check Alarms as Daylight Saving Time Begins

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - As Missourians prepare to “spring forward” this weekend, Tim Bean is reminding residents to take a few extra minutes to check home safety equipment.

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, when clocks move forward one hour. Fire Marshal Bean says the time change serves as a convenient reminder to test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and review family fire escape plans.

Bean says working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. He encourages families to review and update their escape plans, especially as homes are renovated and children grow older. Plans should include two ways out of every room and a designated outdoor meeting place.

Home fires remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. About half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep, making early warning systems critical.

Fire officials recommend installing smoke alarms inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Alarms should be tested monthly, batteries replaced at least once a year unless using sealed 10-year battery units, and the entire unit replaced every 10 years.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances. They should also be tested monthly and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines, typically every five to seven years. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if undetected.

The Fire Marshal’s office also warns that lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools, are an increasing source of fires nationwide. Residents are urged to use only manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid charging devices overnight or unattended, keep devices away from exits and combustible materials, and replace damaged or overheating batteries immediately.