Georgia Insurance Commissioner Urges Smoke Alarm Checks

GA Insurance Press Releases

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms when Daylight Saving Time ends. This proactive measure aims to ensure functioning smoke alarms in homes to enhance fire safety.

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What changed

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King has issued a reminder urging Georgians to check their smoke alarms as Daylight Saving Time concludes. The notice emphasizes the critical role of functioning smoke alarms in home fire safety and encourages residents to test alarms, replace batteries, and understand their specific smoke alarm models. This initiative aligns with efforts to prevent fire-related fatalities.

While this is a public awareness campaign and not a regulatory mandate, it serves as a crucial reminder for all households to prioritize fire safety. Compliance officers should note the emphasis on regular testing, battery replacement, and understanding device types. While no specific deadlines or penalties are mentioned, the underlying message promotes a proactive approach to home safety, which may be relevant for entities with employee safety programs or those providing services to residents.

What to do next

Review and disseminate smoke alarm safety recommendations to relevant personnel and/or residents.
Ensure any organizational policies related to fire safety are up-to-date and communicated.

Source document (simplified)

ATLANTA – As Georgians prepare to set their clocks back this weekend, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is reminding families to take a moment to ensure their smoke alarms are ready to protect them in an emergency.

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, providing a natural opportunity for households to check their alarms, replace aging batteries, and make sure every device is working properly.

“Taking just a few minutes to check your smoke alarms can save your life,” said Commissioner King. “These devices are often the first and only warning a family receives during a fire. When the batteries fail, that lifesaving warning disappears.”

In many of the home fire fatalities reported in recent years, investigators found smoke alarms that were disconnected, missing batteries, or no longer functioning. Fire officials stress that batteries should be replaced twice each year, even if the alarm has not chirped or indicated a low battery warning.

Commissioner King also noted that newer smoke alarm models may operate differently. Some units contain a sealed 10‑year battery and are designed to last the life of the alarm. Georgians are encouraged to check the manufacturer’s instructions so they understand what type of device is in their home.

Beyond replacing batteries, residents should test alarms monthly, clear dust or debris that may affect sensors, and practice a home fire escape plan so every member of the household knows what to do in an emergency.

Additional fire safety information is available from the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, local fire departments, the American Red Cross, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

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The mission of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.

[email protected] Primary (470) 551-6999