New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms This Weekend

• Posted on: 03/10/2023

Division Issues Smoke and CO Alarm Reminder as Daylight Saving Time Ends

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (DFS) reminds residents that the end of daylight saving time this Sunday, March 12, is a good time to check that smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home are in proper working order.

"It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to spring forward. Daylight saving time, which happens this weekend, is an important reminder to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working correctly," said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which oversees DFS. "Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are proven life-savers. It's worth taking 10 minutes to check them to ensure your family and home are protected."

Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky advises the following steps should be followed when assessing and examining smoke alarms in your home:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) 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.
• Be sure the smoke alarm includes the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Replace them with 10-year sealed battery models.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.
• Close interior doors before going to bed.
• Check the exhaust screen on home clothes dryers and remove accumulated lint, which is a common fire hazard in the home.

"In addition to checking smoke and CO alarms, it is also important to create and practice a fire escape plan," said State Fire Marshal Mikutsky. "You only have a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm goes off."

 He offers the following tips:

• Know at least two ways out of your home, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place at a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home twice a year.
• Practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.

As of January 1, 2019, the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (UFC) requires a certificate of smoke alarm compliance before any person may sell, lease, or change occupancy of any one-family or two-family dwelling in the state. The owner of the property may only obtain a certificate of compliance through the municipality having jurisdiction over the home's location. A smoke alarm certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.

A homeowner or property renter must install a smoke alarm on each floor of a residential dwelling, including the basement, common stairwells and hallways, and a maximum 10 feet outside of each separate sleeping area.

The law does not require the interconnection of smoke alarms. Alarms may use battery power or operate on 120-volt house current.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the state. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: