It's a weekend for reminders. The State Fire Marshall wants to remind us to not only change our clocks back on Saturday but also to change your smoke and Carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
Saturday, November 5 at 2 a.m. is the official start time of Eastern Standard Time. Everyone needs to remember to set their clocks back one hour and "fall back" to daylight saving time.
The Fire Marshall wants everyone to also adopt the habit of changing the batteries in fire and Carbon monoxide alarms along with setting your clocks back.
“The foam cushions and synthetic fabrics in household furnishings today produce more heat, thick dark smoke and fire gases than in the past. Early warning by working smoke alarms in your home, improves the ability for your family to get an early warning of a fire and quickly exit your home," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “There should be a smoke alarm on every level of the home including your basement and in every bedroom or sleeping area. Sunday when you change your clock change the batteries in your smoke alarms.”
The State Fire Marshal along with the National Fire Protection Association recommend the following:
• Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
• Replace batteries once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.
• Equip your home with multiple smoke alarms in all the bedrooms, outside of each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.
• Hardwired smoke alarms are more reliable than those powered solely by batteries.
• Buy newer models of smoke alarms with lithium batteries that will last the life of the unit.
• Replace all smoke alarms at least every 10 years, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
• Choose alarms that bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
For a list of nationally recognized testing laboratories go to:
https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtllist.html
Carbon monoxide alarms are also very important safety equipment in your home. Carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer because you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas can come from a variety of sources and can quickly incapacitate and kill people.
The Fire Marshall says that Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms need fresh batteries at least once every year, unless they are powered by sealed, 10-year batteries. Carbon monoxide alarms should be tested once a month to make sure they are working properly.
