State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 4: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms. This year, he is encouraging the use of 10-year batteries to improve safety.
In conjunction with Ohio’s fire departments, the Division of State Fire Marshal encourages Ohioans to make it a habit to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at least twice a year – at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.
“This year I’m encouraging Ohioans to make the switch to smoke alarms with non-removable lithium battery,” said Marshal Flowers. “Working smoke alarms and a well-practiced home fire escape plan save lives.”
Marshal Flowers said firefighters still find that smoke alarms are often not present in homes or are not functional. Through October 31, 2012, 83 people have died in 73 residential fires reported to the Division of State Fire Marshal. Smoke alarms were confirmed present in 21 of those fires but they were functioning in only 9 of the incidents.
Smoke alarms, when properly installed and maintained, provide early warning when fire occurs. For the greatest protection, install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Also, develop an escape plan and make sure every family member knows what to do and where to meet outside if the fire alarm sounds.
Marshal Flowers offers these additional tips:
- Test smoke alarms at least once each month to ensure that they are working properly.
- Vacuum the dust from inside the detector at least once every year.
- Never “borrow” a smoke detector’s battery for another use.
- Change batteries in twice a year or if a detector “chirps” to signal low battery power.
- If you have a smoke alarm with a built-in 10-year battery, and it was installed before October 31, 2002, completely replace the unit this weekend.
For more information about smoke alarms and fire safety tips, visit www.com.ohio.gov/fire.
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