Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs reminds Michiganders to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
LANSING, Mich. – As Michiganders prepare to turn back their clocks this weekend for the end of Daylight-Saving Time, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and its Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) are reminding Michigan residents of a vital seasonal safety routine: when you change your clocks, test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“As we prepare to turn back our clocks this weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on safety at home,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “At LARA, protecting people is at the heart of what we do, and that starts with prevention. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is a simple habit that can make all the difference when seconds truly matter.”
As of October 2025, Michigan recorded 82 fatalities in 70 residential fires, with fire departments responding to more than 16,000 home fires statewide. These figures underscore the continued importance of maintaining working alarms with 10-year lithium-ion batteries or hardwired systems.
“Working smoke and CO alarms are your home’s first line of defense,” stated Tom Hughes, State Fire Marshal. “Monthly testing, utilizing 10-year battery alarms and timely battery replacements are simple, effective habits that help protect your family.”
Key Safety Steps for Every Home
- Install and maintain: Working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms — use hardwired devices or alarms with 10-year lithium batteries.
- Replace batteries: For alarms with removable batteries, replace them when you change your clocks. When it’s time to replace the alarms themselves, install 10-year lithium-ion battery alarms.
- Test monthly: Press the test button on each device to make sure it sounds loudly and clearly.
- Ensure proper placement: Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. CO alarms should be placed on each level of your home.
- Replace smoke alarms as needed: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years (or per manufacturer instructions) and CO alarms every 5-7 years, or as directed by the manufacturer’s timeline.
- Practice your escape plan: Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with every household member, designate two exits from each sleeping area.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five fire deaths in U.S. home fires occur in residences without working smoke alarms or where alarms were disabled or missing.
“We know many of these fatalities happen during the overnight hours when residents are asleep,” added Hughes. “Fire dynamics have changed over the last 40 years. Fires burn hotter, faster than ever before. Your time to escape a home fire is less than two minutes today. Working alarms give you the precious seconds needed to wake up and escape.”
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