As we change our clocks this Sunday morning back to Standard Time, it is a good reminder to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, according to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). This is the best time to check your smoke alarm and change its batteries.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” says OCFA Fire Marshal Laura Blaul. “The extra time that the smoke alarm provides greatly increases your chance of survival in a house fire. They are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect you, your family and your home.”
The community is asked to join the OCFA in its efforts to reduce risks, prevent fires, and improve community safety by:
- Having a battery operated smoke alarm on every level of your home, even if you have hard-wired smoke alarms.
- Checking your hard-wired and battery operated smoke alarms every month.
- Changing the batteries twice a year, when changing our clocks.
- Replacing the entire unit every 8-10 years.
- Making sure everyone in the household knows the sound the alarm makes and what to do if they hear it.
- Having an escape plan for your home and designate a meeting place outside the home to account for family members in the event of an emergency.
- Remembering to never “borrow” smoke alarm batteries or disconnect them from the device.
- Remembering to never paint a smoke alarm.
As Standard Time begins, change your clocks and change your smoke alarm batteries too. This is an easy way to protect your family from fire.
