Change clocks, smoke alarm batteries

Mar. 6, 2015

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm. I.A.F.F. Local 1293 firefighters remind you to change the batteries in smoke alarms when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

“Saving your life can be as simple as changing your smoke alarm batteries once a year and replacing smoke alarms every seven to 10 years,” said David Riggs, a firefighter at I.A.F.F Local 1293. He added that special smoke alarms are available for those who are hearing-impaired.

The NFPA reports that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent. Research has also demonstrated that photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at warning people of smoke from smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms. With earlier warning, people have more time to escape a burning structure and call 9-1-1.

Your local firefighters recommend installing a dual purpose smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of every interior door and on each floor of your home.

“You should also install carbon monoxide alarms in your home and check them once a month,” Riggs said. “Carbon monoxide fumes are poisonous and will increase the intensity of a fire if ignited.”

More than 2,300 people die each year in home fires. Having a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm that works 24 hours a day greatly increases your chance of survival in case of fire.

In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 for the help of your local firefighters.

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