Nov. 7: change clocks, batteries, according to the Northshore Fire Department
Published 12:56 pm Friday, October 29, 2010
When residents set their clocks back Nov. 7, the Northshore Fire Department urges people to use the extra hour to make a lifesaving change in their household. Change and test the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and remind friends, family and neighbors to do the same. This simple act only takes a moment but is one of the best defenses families have against the devastating effects of a home fire.
Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits they were designed to provide, which is early warning to allow people more time to safely escape. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” says Fire Chief Tom Weathers. “Smoke-alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”
In addition to changing the battery at least once a year, test smoke alarms monthly, and replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Remember that a “chirping” smoke alarm is a signal that it needs a fresh battery.
