Fall Back November 1: Smoke Alarm Check for Arbutus Homes

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, so we all get an extra hour of sleep. It is also the perfect weekend to test every smoke alarm in your home and make sure it meets Maryland's smoke alarm law, which replaced old battery-only alarms with 10-year sealed-battery alarms.

When do the clocks change this fall?

Clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Your phone will probably change on its own, but the oven, the car and that wall clock in the kitchen will need a hand.

I like to make it a little ritual. Change the clocks, then walk the house and press the test button on every alarm. It takes about ten minutes, and it is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your family safe.

What does Maryland's smoke alarm law require?

Maryland's smoke alarm law took effect on January 1, 2018. Here is what it means for the alarms in your home, according to the Baltimore County Fire Marshal's guide to Maryland's smoke alarm law:

The law also applies to rental properties. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home and inside every bedroom.

How do I check how old my smoke alarm is?

Twist the alarm off its base and look at the back for the date of manufacture. Count 10 years from that date. If you can't find a date at all, the county says the alarm needs to be replaced.

A few more tips from the Fire Marshal's page:

• Smoke alarms lose their sensitivity after 10 years.
• A hard-wired alarm must be replaced with another hard-wired alarm, not a battery-only one.
• Look for alarms that meet the UL 217 safety standard. They are sold at most home supply and big box stores.

Can I get a free smoke alarm in Maryland?

Yes, if your home qualifies. The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal runs Get Alarmed Maryland, which provides one free smoke alarm and one free carbon monoxide alarm to homes that do not already have them installed.

To ask for one, fill out the Get Alarmed Maryland request form on that page. The team will contact you to set up the installation. This is a great one to share with older neighbors or anyone who has trouble climbing a ladder.

What does this mean for buyers, sellers and new homeowners?

Many homes around Arbutus have been loved by more than one family, and that means smoke alarms of every age. If you are buying, take a peek at the alarm dates during your walkthrough, and plan to replace any alarm that is old or has no date once you move in. My Moving to Arbutus guide has more first-week tips for new neighbors.

If you are getting ready to sell, up-to-date alarms are a quick, inexpensive fix that shows buyers the house has been cared for. My selling page walks through other easy updates. And if a bigger electrical project is on your list, Baltimore County's new online trade permit portal is where licensed contractors now apply for electrical permits.

Frequently Asked Questions