Daylight savings time ends Sunday, November 6th, and marks the 29th year of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program. The Change Your Clock Change Your Battery Program reminds us to change and test the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The Bristol TN Fire Department reminds citizens that this one simple step can help save their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Everyone is encouraged to use the extra hour they “gain” from daylight savings time to change the batteries in their own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.
Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year, but everyone can work together to help reduce the number of home fire fatalities. Non-working smoke alarms rob people of the protective benefits that home fire safety devices are designed to provide. The most commonly cited causes of non-working smoke alarms are dead or missing batteries.
Most fatal fires occur at night, and every home needs working smoke alarms to provide an early warning while occupants sleep. Install smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms, hallways that lead to sleeping areas, basements and each additional level of your home. “Five minutes. That's all it takes and isn't it worth it if it could save your life or the lives of those you love?” added Assistant Fire Chief Jack Spurgeon.
Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4” from the wall and wall mounts should be 4-12” from the ceiling. Do not install smoke alarms near draft areas (windows, vents.). Call your local fire department if you are unsure about proper placement. A good reminder for checking smoke alarms and changing batteries is when you reset the time on your clocks as daylight savings time begins and ends. Everyone should also remember to prepare and practice an escape plan. If smoke is filling the home, remember to crawl low under the smoke. Plan where everyone is to meet outside if you have to escape a home fire. Once you’re out, stay out. Remember, almost every day a smoke alarm saves someone’s life.
Bristol TN Fire Rescue proudly partners with the Unites States Fire Administration’s fire prevention initiative, “Fire Is Everyone’s Fight”, and promotes fire safety through a myriad of programs year round. For more tips on Smoke Alarms, our Smoke Alarm installation program and home fire safety, contact Assistant Chief Jack Spurgeon at (423) 989-5701.
