03/08/2026
Needham Police Department called us Americas Hero’s. Not to be dramatic, but this is a big day for us.
While we appreciate the compliment, the truth is the real heroes in your home are the devices quietly sitting on your ceiling. (But we still love you, call us?)
Your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are America’s hero’s.
They may not wear capes, and they may chirp at you at 2:00 AM for reasons that feel very personal, but when seconds matter they’re the ones giving you the early warning that saves lives.
This weekend as we move the clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time it’s the perfect reminder to check on them.
Take a few minutes to make sure they’re ready to do their job, and see the pictures in the comments for detailed instructions and info:
• Change the batteries in alarms that use replaceable batteries. Even if they seem to be working, fresh batteries help ensure they’re ready when you need them most.
• Check the age of the alarm. Smoke and CO alarms should generally be replaced every 10 years. To find the date, twist the alarm off the ceiling or wall and look at the back of the unit. The MANUFACTURE date will be printed on the label.
• Some alarms have sealed 10-year batteries. These units do not have replaceable batteries. If the alarm chirps indicating the battery is low, or the unit reaches the end of its life, the entire alarm needs to be replaced.
Fire safety recommendations are to have:
• Smoke alarms on every level of your home
• Smoke alarms inside and outside sleeping areas
• Carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near bedrooms
So while we’re honored to be called heroes, the real America’s hero’s are the ones quietly protecting your home 24/7.
Good Sunday morning from the Needham Police Department.
If you’re reading this with one eye open and a cup of coffee clutched like life support, congratulations!
Daylight Saving Time happened overnight.
Parents across town are now discovering that the child who normally wakes up at 5:00 AM has heroically adjusted to the time change and now wakes up at… 6:00 AM.
Yay?
Either way, go ahead and take that extra sip of coffee while briefly wondering if the dual-income, no-kids lifestyle might have been the quieter option. (Too late now.)
While you’re adjusting the clocks this morning, it’s also the perfect time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Nobody wants the middle-of-the-night chirp turning into a 2:00 AM visit from America’s heroes, complete with bright lights and curious neighbors peeking out their windows.
Because let’s be honest, no one in the neighborhood needs to see you outside at 2:00 AM in your best Johnny Rose style nightgown from Schitt’s Creek while the fire trucks are lighting up the street.
Change the clocks.
Change the batteries.
Drink the coffee.
