LANSING, MI – As Michiganders prepare to turn back their clocks on Sunday, November 1, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and its Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) are urging residents to take a few minutes to test their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, a simple step that could save lives.
As of October 9, 2026, Michigan has recorded 63 fire-related deaths in 55 fatal fire incidents. Fire departments have responded to more than 14,500 structure fires statewide, including 8,118 residential fires. That averages more than 50 structure fires each day, including nearly 29 residential fires.
“Every life lost to a fire is a tragedy, and every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their home is protected,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of LARA. “As Michiganders turn back their clocks this weekend, we're asking everyone to take just a few minutes to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It's a small action that can make a lifesaving difference when every second counts.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with alarms that fail to operate. Working smoke alarms can significantly reduce the risk of dying in a home fire, providing critical time to escape.
“Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential to protecting lives,” said Tom Hughes, State Fire Marshal. “The time change is a good reminder to test every alarm in your home, check their age, and replace batteries or alarms when necessary. These are simple steps that can make a lifesaving difference when an emergency occurs.”
Simple Steps to Keep Your Home and Family Safe
All Michiganders are encouraged to use the time change as an opportunity to review these important fire safety measures:
- Install smoke and CO alarms: Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Test your alarms: Press the test button on every smoke and CO alarm at least once a month to ensure it is operating properly.
- Check batteries and replace outdated alarms: Follow manufacturer recommendations for battery replacement. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms according to the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan, generally five to 10 years.
- Consider interconnected smoke alarms: when one alarm sounds, interconnected alarms sound throughout the home, providing additional warning.
- Create and practice an escape plan: Identify two ways out of every room, establish an outdoor meeting location, and practice your plan at least twice a year.
- Close before you doze: Sleeping with bedroom doors closed can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire during an emergency.
Fire safety doesn't have to be complicated. Taking a few minutes to check alarms and review an escape plan can help protect Michigan families year-round.
For more information visit the MI Prevention Fire Safe Michigander Resources page.
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