This Sunday, March 8th, is Daylight Savings Time (DST) — quick safety check: swap the batteries in your smoke & CO alarms, run a system test (or put your panel in test mode), and make sure cameras show the right time. Takes 10 minutes — easy investment in your safety & security (NOTE: many security companies include battery changing & annual system test services as part of the monthly monitoring agreement. Check your paperwork or call your provider to confirm)

10–15 min Homeowner checklist

1. Replace batteries in all battery powered or battery backup smoke/CO alarms. 2. Press the test button on each alarm; verify any interconnected units also sound. 3. Check the manufacture date on each alarm; replace units that are 10+ years old. 4. If monitored, put your alarm panel in Test Mode, trigger a test, and confirm the monitoring center received it; then exit Test Mode. 5. Save key numbers in your phone: monitoring company, local fire (non emergency), preferred technician. 6. Record battery type per device so next swap is easy.

10–30 min Business systems checklist 1. Walk every smoke/CO detector; replace batteries where needed and log the date/device. 2. For monitored systems, schedule a supervised panel test or use Test Mode and confirm central station receipts; note technician/time. 3. Cameras/NVR/DVR: confirm time zone & DST settings; enable NTP/auto sync; spot check timestamps on recent clips. 4. POS/access vs video: sample a few events and confirm timestamps align with camera footage. 5. Verify backups/retention; confirm at least one recent clip plays back. 6. Post a brief staff note: “Today: batteries swapped + system test at [time]; call [on call #] if you hear alarms/chirps.”

Hope this helps & have a great day!