Sunday, November 3, is the day we “fall back” an hour to end Daylight Saving Time. As you change your clocks, the Baytown Fire Department reminds all residents to make another change that could save their lives — changing the batteries in their smoke alarms. Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms is depleted or missing batteries. Changing smoke alarm batteries twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, working smoke alarms cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple 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 of burning structures safely. Residents can use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to test smoke alarms by pushing the test button along with planning and practicing escape routes with the entire family. Keeping smoke detectors in good condition is easy. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Be sure to replace the batteries twice a year, when you change your clocks, or as needed. Most models will make a chirping, popping, or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type and keep extras handy. Check the smoke detector every 30 days by pushing the test button. Clean the detector face and grillwork often to remove dust and grease. Never paint a smoke detector, as this will hamper its functionality. Check your detector if you have been away from home for an extended period of time. For more information about fire safety, call the Baytown Fire Department at 281-422-2311. The Baytown Fire Department will install smoke detectors FREE of charge, and check and install smoke detector batteries. If you live in the City of Baytown and need a smoke detector or assistance with changing the batteries, please call 281-422-2311.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 17:47:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015