GATLINBURG, Tenn.—As Daylight Saving Time begins at 1:59 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, the Gatlinburg Fire Department is reminding residents to take an important safety step when turning their clocks forward: replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
“Working smoke alarms are one of the most important safety tools in any home,” said Gatlinburg Fire Department Chief David Gray. “When a fire starts, seconds matter. A properly functioning smoke alarm can provide the early warning families need to get out safely. Taking a few minutes to replace batteries when you change your clocks is a simple step that can save lives.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Dead or missing batteries are among the most common reasons alarms fail to alert residents.
Chief Gray emphasized that regular maintenance of smoke alarms is critical to home fire safety.
“Smoke alarms don’t last forever and they do require regular attention,” Gray said. “Testing them regularly and replacing batteries twice a year helps ensure they will work when you need them most.”
The Gatlinburg Fire Department recommends that residents, property owners, and businesses take the following steps:
• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year.
• Test alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they fail to respond.
• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Consider installing interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
Gray added that fire safety is a shared responsibility across the community.
“We care about our neighbors in Gatlinburg,” Gray said. “When you check your smoke alarms, take a moment to remind a friend, family member, or neighbor to do the same. This is especially important for seniors or anyone who may need assistance. Working together helps keep our entire community safer.”
The Gatlinburg Fire Department also participates in the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee” smoke alarm program and will supply and install free smoke alarms in eligible non-commercial residences within its service area.
Residents may qualify if they do not have working smoke alarms installed or if their existing alarms are more than 10 years old. For safety and compliance, Gatlinburg Fire Department personnel must install these alarms.
For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and X. Individuals can also keep up with the latest from the City of Gatlinburg by downloading the City’s Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “City of Gatlinburg”
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