With the upcoming time change on Sunday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is urging county residents to ensure their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors at home are working properly.
This reminder was issued on Friday, ahead of clocks being set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st.
The firefighters' message is clear: "Change your clocks, change your batteries."
The rationale is simple: the time change is a routine event that most households don't overlook, making it a perfect opportunity to check safety devices.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to over 470,000 home fires annually, resulting in more than 3,100 deaths, over 10,000 injuries, and property losses exceeding $15 billion.
A troubling statistic: more than half of these fatalities occur in homes without smoke alarms or with non-functioning alarms, often due to dead or disconnected batteries.
Carbon monoxide presents a similarly serious threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that unintentional poisoning by this colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas causes over 400 deaths annually in the U.S., along with more than 100,000 emergency room visits and over 14,000 hospitalizations.
Initial symptoms—headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—can easily be mistaken for the flu.
What to Check This Weekend
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue explains in its smoke alarm safety guide that many residents may not know the distinction between models: those with replaceable nine-volt batteries should be changed twice a year, while sealed 10-year lithium battery models should not be opened.
For the latter, when a low battery signal sounds, the entire unit should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Regarding device lifespan, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, even if they seem to function well.
For CO detectors, firefighters recommend replacement every five years, though some sealed lithium models are designed to last up to a decade; manufacturer guidelines should be followed in any case.
The NFPA advises installing smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
CO detectors should also be placed on every floor, particularly near potential sources of the gas, such as kitchens, heaters, or garages.
Both types of devices should be tested at least once a month.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also suggests using the weekend to inspect frayed electrical cords, clean dryer vents and heating systems, keep fire extinguishers accessible, and practice the family fire escape plan.
In case of CO poisoning symptoms, the directive is firm: "Get fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter the building until emergency services declare it safe."
For Miami's Cuban community, this Sunday's time change has a practical implication: while Florida sets clocks back, Cuba has decided to maintain daylight saving time until November 2027 due to the energy crisis, leaving Havana one hour ahead of Miami until mid-March 2027, affecting calls, flights, and consular appointments.
Essential Safety Tips for Smoke and CO Detectors
Why should I change the batteries in my smoke and CO detectors?
Changing the batteries ensures that the detectors function correctly, reducing the risk of missing a critical alert during a fire or CO leak.
How often should smoke alarms and CO detectors be tested?
Both smoke alarms and CO detectors should be tested at least once a month to confirm they are operational.
What should be done if a CO detector signals a low battery?
For sealed lithium battery models, replace the entire unit following manufacturer instructions. For other models, replace the batteries and retest the device.