It's time for a (time) change, again

Franklin Countians will set their clocks back by one hour before retiring on Saturday night as Daylight Saving Time officially comes to an end at 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 6.

The “fall back” ritual comes roughly seven months after area residents advanced their clocks by an hour as part of the “spring forward” process leading up to spring and summer.

While many might grumble about the effort in changing the multitude of time-keeping devices in their houses and businesses, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency-Homeland Security Director Mark Thornton said there’s a plus side to the time change.

“Batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed every six months or so,” Thornton said.

“Doing this to coincide with the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time is the easiest way for everyone to remember to make sure these potentially life-saving units are in good, working order.”

Thornton said these inexpensive detectors are a critical safety tool in residential and commercial structures with many new smoke sensors containing a 10-year, non-replaceable battery.

“In those particular units, if the alarms chirps then it’s a good idea to replace the entire smoke alarm right away,” he continued. “Otherwise, in older detectors, it’s best to change the battery when you change your clocks.”

Additionally, Thornton recommends actually testing warning devices monthly to make certain they are in working condition.

Units that do not make a sound related to being tested should be replaced as soon as possible.

“If your detector is not working, it is of no use to you, your family or your co-workers if an emergency should arise,” Thornton said. “Minutes count when it comes to getting out of a fire or if carbon monoxide — from improperly vented heat sources — is detected.”

National Fire Protection Association research conducted in 2019 found the national death rate in fires where a smoke detector was not present or not working was twice as high as locations that have the devices.