Illinois residents urged to test smoke alarms while turning back clocks this weekend

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, and Illinois residents are encouraged to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back this weekend.“It’s a great reminder to make fire safety a priority at home,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said. “Take time to test your smoke alarms, check their expiration dates, and replace any alarms that are expired or not working properly.” Replace the batteries if your model requires it.Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, the state fire marshal’s office said. If your smoke alarm was manufactured before October 2016, it is time to replace it, preferably with one that has a 10-year sealed battery, the office said.The American Red Cross recommends placing smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and testing smoke alarms once a month. The fire marshal’s office, in partnership with Camp I AM Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and local fire departments, offers the Be Al