Daylight Savings Time began at 2 am today — so it’s time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. Did you know that fire deaths and injuries do not strike all communities and age groups in the same way? According to FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration, Black people, men, people living in Midwestern and Southern states, and people over 55 are more at risk from fire — a risk that increases as you age.
What Can You Do?
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) says to check your smoke alarm and find out what type of battery is in the smoke alarm.
- TEN YEAR BATTERIES – Some alarms have 10-year batteries designed to work for up to 10 years. If the alarm makes a chirping sound it means the battery is running low and you should replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- ONE YEAR BATTERIES – Alarms without 10 year batteries need a new battery at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. Also, make sure you replace the battery with the brand and model from the manufacturer’s list on the back of the alarm instructions. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Where to Place Smoke Detectors?
The NFPA recommends that you:
- Put alarms on every level of the home.
- If you can, choose “interconnected” smoke alarms — where when one sounds, they all sound.
- Put smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best place for your alarm.
- Test all smoke alarms in your house once a month.
- Allow only qualified electricians to install hardwired smoke alarms. Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s nonemergency phone number for more information.
Finally, don’t forget to check on older loved ones to make sure they have working smoke alarms with new batteries too….