On Sunday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00 a.m., the clocks spring forward one hour due to the start of daylight saving time. Adjusting your clock is a great reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms sounded in half (53%) of the home fires reported to the U.S. Fire Department between 2009 and 2013. Three of every five home deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or inoperable smoke alarms (21%). Amongst the fire incidents in which the smoke alarms were present, but did not operate, almost half (46%) had missing or disconnected batteries.
Here are some tips for the proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms:
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Large homes may need extra smoke detectors.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
The Glendale Fire Department encourages residents to change the batteries in smoke alarms when the time changes. To learn more about smoke alarms, please visit www.glendalefire.org.
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