Michigan officials urge residents to test alarms during daylight saving time change

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is urging residents to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as they set clocks forward for daylight saving time this Sunday, according to a Mar. 6 announcement.

The department says the time change offers an important opportunity for households to check safety devices, replace batteries if needed, and review fire escape plans. These steps can help prevent fatalities in home fires.

“Testing your smoke alarms is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your chance of surviving a home fire,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of LARA. “When a fire starts, you may have less than two minutes to escape. Working alarms provide the early warning families need.”

According to Michigan’s fatal fire data from 2025, there were 107 deaths in 91 fires across the state, with only about 30 percent of those homes having working smoke alarms. In early 2026 so far, there have been 30 deaths in 25 fatal fires statewide. Officials note that modern materials and furnishings cause fires to spread more quickly than in previous decades.

“Modern home materials and furnishings allow fires to spread rapidly, leaving families with far less time to escape,” said Tom Hughes, State Fire Marshal. “That is why preparation matters. Every home should have working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan.”

Data collected through MI Prevention indicates older adults and people living with disabilities are at greater risk during home fires—especially when homes lack working smoke alarms. The department encourages all households—particularly those needing extra assistance—to develop detailed evacuation plans.

Families are also advised by LARA officials to practice their escape plan regularly so everyone knows two ways out of each room and where the designated meeting place outside will be located if evacuation becomes necessary.

“Families should discuss in advance what to do if a fire occurs,” Hughes said. “The priority is to get out and stay out. Do not attempt to fight the fire.”

Additional information on fire safety recommendations—including monthly alarm testing, installing devices inside every bedroom on each level of the house, replacing units every ten years—is available through MI Prevention at www.MIPrevention.org.