Every November, the National Fire Protection Association and safety experts remind homeowners to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For shore homeowners—many of whom leave properties vacant in the off-season—this step is even more critical. A working detector can be the difference between minor damage and a major emergency.

Why November?

It’s simple: clocks fall back, and so should your attention to home safety. The time change is an easy reminder to replace batteries and test devices. For seasonal homes, November also marks the start of heating season, when the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure rises.

The Risks at the Shore

• Vacant Homes: If a fire or CO leak happens while a property is empty, detectors provide the first warning to visiting family, neighbors, or property managers.
  
  
• Rental Properties: Many renters assume detectors are working without checking. Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining them.
  
  
• Heating Systems: Furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters go back into use in November, increasing carbon monoxide risks.
  
  

Detector Checklist for November

1. Test Every Device – Press the test button on smoke and CO alarms. If there’s no sound, it’s time to replace batteries—or the unit itself.
   
   
2. Replace Batteries – Use the “fall back” time change as your cue. Even if detectors seem fine, fresh batteries ensure reliability.
   
   
3. Check Expiration Dates – Smoke alarms expire every 10 years; CO detectors every 5–7 years. Look for the date printed on the back.
   
   
4. Place Properly – Smoke detectors belong inside bedrooms and hallways; CO detectors should be near sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
   
   

Why It Matters

According to the NFPA, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. And because carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, detectors are the only way to stay protected.

How Shore Handyman Can Help

Testing takes minutes, but installation and replacements can be tricky—especially in hard-to-reach areas. Shore Handyman installs, tests, and replaces smoke and CO detectors so your home is safe year-round. We make sure your property is up to code, fully functional, and protected this holiday season.

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