This weekend is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. On Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., citizens “spring forward” and move their clocks up one hour. The Upper Allen Twp. Fire Department urges families to take steps to make their homes safer by also checking the batteries in their smoke alarms.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website, smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
In addition, NFPA noted:
• In 2007-2011, smoke alarms sounded in half of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
• Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• No smoke alarms were present in more than one-third (37%) of the home fire deaths.
Of the main reasons why smoke alarms failed to operate, 47 percent had missing or disconnected batteries and 24 percent had dead or discharged batteries. The NFPA report is full of statistical data. The bottom line is working smoke alarms provide early warning saving lives, preventing injury and reducing property damage.
Smoke alarm batteries should be changed bi-annually and detectors replaced every 10 years. Smoke alarms are available with non- replaceable batteries and are designed with a 10 year life span. However, whether replaceable battery or long life battery they should be checked monthly.
“We just want to encourage all residents to be aware of the safety precautions they can take to protect their families and pets,” said Fire Chief Jim Salter. “Installing a new battery is a simple measure that could prove to be life-saving.”
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