Lake County Gazette

As Daylight Savings Time comes to an end on Sunday, November 2 at 2 a.m., residents are reminded to set their clocks back one hour. Along with adjusting clocks, officials recommend checking all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in homes.

"While you are at it, this is the perfect time to check all of your smoke and CO detectors, change batteries, or change them out altogether with a new sealed-battery detector. Working smoke and CO detectors are inexpensive, easy to install and save lives!"

Officials emphasize that working smoke and CO detectors provide early warning during emergencies. "Smoke spreads quickly during a fire. Working detectors provide early warning and save lives," the statement notes.

Residents are encouraged to test and clean their detectors when changing their clocks. For devices with removable batteries, replacements should be made at this time. Illinois law now requires any newly installed smoke detector to have either a 10-year sealed battery or be hard-wired. Existing detectors with removable batteries should be replaced 10 years after the manufacture date or if they do not sound an alarm when tested.

Additional safety information can be found on resources such as the National Fire Protection Association Safety Tips sheet, the State Fire Marshal Smoke Detector Fact Sheet, or through local organizations like Countryside Fire Protection District.