Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Change your clock, change your battery!

In just a few days, we will “fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends 2 a.m., Sunday, November 5. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing your smoke alarms and checking the batteries at the same time. Approximately two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no alarms or alarms that didn’t function due to missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

NFPA, an international organization whose mission is to "reduce the burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life", offers the following guidelines for smoke alarms:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.