Livingston Fire Chief Christopher Mullin wants residents to swap out detector batteries when they set clocks back Sunday, Nov. 1, for the end of Daylight Saving Time. But he has one critical warning for homeowners with newer units: do not open a sealed-battery smoke or carbon monoxide detector.

Mullin said homeowners who purchased 10-year sealed-battery detectors do not need to replace the batteries after the initial installation, Patch reported. Attempting to open or change the battery will render the unit useless, and it will have to be discarded.

"When smoke alarms or detectors fail to operate, it's usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead," Mullin said.

For standard detectors, the chief said the clock change is the right time to put in fresh batteries. The Livingston Fire Department also recommended checking fire extinguishers on Nov. 1, Patch reported.

Where to place detectors

Smoke detectors should be mounted within 10 feet of bedrooms and on each level of the house, including the basement at the bottom of the stairs, according to the fire department's guidance shared with Patch. Industry standards call for replacing smoke detectors every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every five to seven years.

The National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, reports that three of every five residential fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with non-working alarms, according to the department's advisory as reported by Patch.

Carbon monoxide risks rise in cold weather

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. The risk of exposure climbs as residents run heating systems more often and turn to supplemental heat sources, according to the department. Improperly vented furnaces, water heaters and gasoline- or kerosene-powered generators are common sources of the gas.

The department also warned against warming up a car in an enclosed garage. Exhaust fumes can filter into the home through door openings and wall cracks. Pull the vehicle out first.

Mullin said homeowners with only one carbon monoxide detector should place it within 10 feet of the sleeping area. Homes with more than one detector should have one within 10 feet of the utility room doors.

Fire extinguishers

Livingston residents should have at least one five-pound fire extinguisher rated 2A:10B:C or higher, according to the department. For homeowners reselling a property, the extinguisher must be wall-mounted about five feet off the floor, in a visible and accessible spot in or within 10 feet of the kitchen.

Residents with questions can reach the Livingston Fire Department at 973-992-2373.