Daylight Saving 2021: Remember To Change Clocks, Batteries

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Daylight saving time is upon us, San Juan Capistrano, and the Orange County Fire Authority wants you to check your smoke alarms and change your batteries while adjusting your wall clocks an hour back.

This year, the clocks move back on Sunday at 2 a.m., and according to the OCFA, whenever the time changes is the best time to check your smoke alarm and change its batteries.

Nationwide statistics show that approximately 75 percent of failed smoke alarms are due to missing batteries.

"We are asking the community to join the OCFA in efforts to reduce the risk. Our smoke alarmcampaign, 'Install, Inspect, Protect' is a great way to remember some vital information," An OCFA spokesperson told Patch in a previous interview.

If you're changing your smoke alarm's battery this weekend, remember these key points:

Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside each sleeping area, and in every hallway leading to sleeping areas. Replace the entire unit every 10 years.

Inspect your hard-wired and battery-operated smoke alarms by testing them every month. Change the batteries twice a year, and clean your smoke alarms every year.

Protect you and your family by planning a home escape plan and ensuring that everyone in the household knows the sound that the alarm makes. Educate you and your family by planning out what to do if they hear the smoke alarm.

Orange County Fire Authority encourages all Orange County residents to take two simple steps that can save lives. Ensure that you have working smoke alarms in your home and create and practice home fire exit drills.