State Fire Marshal Urges Marylanders to Test Smoke Alarms with Time Change

As Marylanders prepare to set their clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 2, 2025, for the end of Daylight Saving Time, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray is reminding residents to use this transition as a critical reminder to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This annual safety initiative, “Change Your Clock – Check Your Smoke Alarms,” aims to improve home safety and potentially save lives.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can significantly increase a family’s chances of survival during a fire or a carbon monoxide-related emergency. The semi-annual time change provides an opportune moment for individuals to perform essential maintenance on these life-saving devices, such as testing their functionality and replacing batteries.

Maryland law enacted in 2013 mandates that all battery-only smoke alarms sold within the state must be equipped with 10-year sealed lithium batteries. Residents with older smoke alarm models that require 9-volt or similar replaceable batteries are strongly advised to replace them promptly with the newer, long-life models. These modern alarms are designed to remain effective for up to a decade. For homes utilizing 120-volt electric smoke alarms, these units also have a 10-year lifespan and should be replaced with new models that incorporate a battery backup. Smoke alarms are recommended for installation in every bedroom, in hallways outside sleeping areas, in common areas, and on every level of a home.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal also champions the “Get Alarmed Maryland” program, a public initiative allowing residents to directly request smoke alarms. Since its relaunch in May 2025, this program has facilitated the installation of nearly 350 smoke alarms and 63 carbon monoxide detectors across the state. A new data-tracking system supporting this initiative helps to better direct future fire prevention efforts and identify communities most in need of these safety resources.

Beyond ensuring alarms are operational, the State Fire Marshal emphasizes the importance of having and regularly practicing a home escape plan. Families are encouraged to identify at least two escape routes from each room and to conduct drills to ensure everyone knows how to exit safely in an emergency. This practice, along with checking alarms and replacing outdated equipment, is considered one of the most effective ways to protect family members and oneself from harm.

Acting State Fire Marshal Mowbray also advises residents to sleep with bedroom doors closed. A closed door can act as a barrier against smoke, heat, and toxic gases, potentially providing crucial extra time for escape or rescue. In the event of a successful escape from a fire, closing doors behind oneself can help slow the spread of flames and limit the oxygen supply to the fire. These simple measures, consistently practiced, are credited with saving lives in Maryland each year.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal

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