Change Clocks Change Batteries
Incident #: N/A Date of Incident: 11/3/2011 Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer
Narrative:
When you change your clocks back to Standard Time for November 6, please remember to also check the condition of your smoke detectors. Two out of three persons who die in residential properties in the U.S. each year were living in homes without working smoke detectors. A significant percentage of these victims were elderly who couldn't maintain their detectors or small children who were unable to protect themselves. This weekend, please help your family and neighbors prepare for a fire-safe winter by doing the following: . Read the label on the back of the detectors. If the date of manufacture is before 2001, replace the entire detector. Smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years. This is true of detectors hardwired into the electricity as well as detectors that are simply screwed into the ceiling. They all have a limited lifespan. . Check the label to determine whether you have ionization, photoelectric or photo-ion (dual sensor) smoke detectors. Make sure you have at least one PHOTOELECTRIC or photo-ion smoke detector on each level of your home because, in a slow-burning, smoldering type of fire the photoelectric will sound an alarm as much as 40 minutes faster than an ionization detector. Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke rather than flame. . Replace 9-volt batteries as needed. Lithium batteries last up to ten years. Alkaline batteries must be replaced at least once a year. Make sure that all batteries are securely attached by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm. . Determine how many smoke detectors you need for the size and shape of your home. You must have at least one detector on every level (including the basement) and outside every sleeping area. It is wise to also install detectors in each bedroom since a faster alarm reduces injury and property loss. . Consider giving PHOTOELECTRIC smoke detectors as holiday gifts to family, neighbors and friends. They cost about $15 and they are truly life savers.
Cause:
N/A
Damage:
N/A
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