Smoke Detectors
Daylight Savings And Changing Smoke Detector Batteries
Today, March 13, people across the country will change their clocks for daylight saving time. This is also a great opportunity to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Batteries should be changed yearly.
Smoke and CO alarms provide protection for families and homes from the dangers posed by fire and carbon monoxide. Doing it at the time change is a great way to remember to do it!
Damage Caused By Fire
An estimated annual average of 385,100 fires, 2,470 deaths, 12,600 injuries and $6.43 billion in property losses associated with residential fires was reported by fire departments from 2005 through 2007. Of the reported incidents, common household products, such as cooking, heating, and cooling equipment accounted for the largest percentage of fires.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas can’t be seen or smelt. On average, there were an estimated 184 unintentional, non-fire CO poisoning deaths annually associated with consumer products from 2004 through 2007. Carbon monoxide associated with generators and home heating systems accounted for the largest percentage of reported fatalities.
Location of Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms should be located on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Each home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in the area outside individual bedrooms. CO alarms should not be installed in attics or basements unless they include a sleeping area. There are also combination units available.
