The Las Cruces police and fire departments encourage homeowners and occupants of rental properties to check smoke alarms and install new batteries this weekend when daylight saving time ends.
The Las Cruces fire and police departments encourage homeowners and occupants of rental properties to check smoke alarms and install new batteries this weekend when daylight saving time ends and clocks are adjusted to ‘fall back’ one hour.
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Most people tend to adjust their clocks before bedtime on Saturday evening.
Homeowners should also test smoke alarms to ensure they are in proper working order. To test the operation of a smoke alarm, simply press and hold the alarm’s “test” button. If it beeps, or rings loudly, it is working properly.
Smoke alarms should not be tested by lighting a candle or matches under the detector. Repeated use of heat or smoke to activate the device can cause them to malfunction when an actual fire occurs.
Some smoke alarms are hardwired or have sealed lithium batteries that are non-replaceable. Most sealed smoke alarms have a 10-year lifespan. Hardwired smoke alarms, particularly in rentals, should generally be maintained by property managers or a licensed electrician.
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