The only way to know your smoke alarm is functioning and ready (except for letting your turkey burn in the oven) is to test it. And tests don't just confirm that smoke detectors have power -- they ...

My inability to handle even the most insignificant do-it-yourself tasks on the first try is quite frustrating.

And after years of always getting a good test, the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that were both hard-wired with battery back-ups in our home were no longer working.

If your smoke detector uses 10-year batteries, the whole alarm will need to be replaced when it starts chirping. This year, daylight savings time lasts from March 9 to November 2.

· Check smoke alarm batteries. When turning the clocks back, take a few minutes to replace the smoke alarm batteries if needed and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working.

The Red Cross suggests people test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back.

Test the smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Drexel University has smoke detectors in all residence halls and fraternity ...