STOW — As residents prepare to turn their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts are urging everyone to check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“Working smoke and CO alarms are your family’s first line of defense against an emergency at home,” said Fire Marshal Davine. “As we ‘fall back’ this weekend, please take a few minutes to be sure you and your loved ones are protected.”
Officials noted that modern alarms are stamped with a manufacturing date on the back. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, while CO alarms should be replaced according to manufacturer instructions—typically every 5 to 10 years.
Fire officials are especially concerned about smoke alarms nearing expiration following a 2015 State Fire Code update requiring sealed, 10-year batteries in most Massachusetts homes. The first wave of those alarms is now reaching the end of its lifespan.
Residents replacing older single-station smoke alarms are advised to:
- Choose photoelectric alarms from a reputable national brand.
- Look for certification from independent testing labs such as UL or Intertek/ETL.
- Select alarms with a sealed, long-life battery and a “hush” feature.
- Use alarms that meet UL Standard 217, 8th edition or later, which helps reduce false alarms from cooking smoke.
For alarms less than 10 years old that use alkaline batteries, officials recommend inserting fresh batteries to ensure protection through the winter. Residents should also test smoke and CO alarms monthly.
Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, stressed the importance of working CO alarms during the heating season.
“Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, and heating equipment is the main source of carbon monoxide in the home,” said Chief Purcell. “We can’t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO alarms on every level of your home are the only way to detect this invisible killer.”
According to Purcell, Massachusetts firefighters responded to about 5,000 carbon monoxide incidents last year.
Davine also reminded residents to develop and practice a home escape plan. “Changes to building construction and furnishings mean we have less time to escape a fire at home than ever before,” he said. “You could have just three minutes to get out safely.”
Fire officials recommend planning two ways out of every room and establishing a family meeting place at a safe distance from the home.
Adults over 65 are at higher risk of fire-related injuries or death, especially if they live in one or two-family homes. Through the state’s Senior SAFE program, hundreds of local fire departments offer assistance with installing, testing, and maintaining smoke and CO alarms. Seniors can contact their local fire department or senior center for help.
For more information on smoke alarms or the Senior SAFE program, visit www.mass.gov/dfs or contact your local fire department.