Moody Air Force Base, Ga. -- As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, families around the nation will “fall back” on Nov. 5, setting their clocks back one hour. Although this task is routine in most households, there is one more to-do to add to the list that some families may not be aware of.
Although timekeeping is a vital part of our lives and we should keep our clocks working to stay on track, it’s also important for people to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones by keeping their smoke alarm in the same working order.
Every year in the United States, more than 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. However, most fire victims do not die as a result of burns, but rather from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases. Additionally, statistics show most deaths and injuries occur in fires that happen at night while the victims are asleep.
This risk of fatality is doubled in a home that is not equipped with a working smoke alarm. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms in the home save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage. They are considered one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire.
All smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month to make sure they operate properly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and the replacement of smoke alarms as well as the replacement of the batteries.
If a smoke alarm is battery operated, replace the batteries at least twice a year to make sure the alarm will work when it is needed. It’s a good practice to make replacement of batteries a seasonal routine, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring.
If your battery-powered smoke alarm begins to emit a low-power warning, usually a chirping sound, replace the battery immediately with a fresh one. This will ensure that your smoke alarm will continue to provide protection.
For questions or additional information, contact the fire prevention office at 257-4410.