Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 2, and local public safety officials are reminding residents to use the time change as an opportunity to check smoke alarms and stay alert on darker evening commutes.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Fire officials urge residents to test their smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Most smoke alarms have a service life of about 10 years, with the manufacture date printed on the back of the unit. If an alarm fails its monthly test or is 10 years old, it should be replaced immediately.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
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Smoke alarms sounded in more than half (53%) of reported home fires between 2012–2016.
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Nearly three out of five home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms (40%) or none that were working (17%).
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Homes without working smoke alarms had more than double the fire death rate compared to those with working alarms.
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In cases where smoke alarms failed to operate, 43% had missing or disconnected batteries.
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Dead batteries caused 25% of smoke alarm failures.
Firefighters emphasize that functional smoke alarms save lives by providing early warnings that can double a family’s chances of escaping safely.
Stay Safe on the Road
With earlier sunsets, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists face greater risks on the road. Safety advocates from Look Out Texans remind everyone to stay alert and visible during evening commutes.
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Nearly two-thirds of pedestrian crashes and 80% of fatal pedestrian crashes occur after dark.
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Drivers should turn on their headlights earlier, watch for people walking or biking, and eliminate distractions.
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State law requires bicycles to have a front white light and a rear red reflector or red light at night.
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Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing.
“Whether in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, bicyclists and pedestrians are sharing the roads with drivers, and all users need to remain alert,” said Karla Weaver, Senior Program Manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. “Wherever they are, everyone should be respectful and look out for one another.”
