Trending
PARKERSBURG -- City Fire Chief Jason Matthews is asking residents to put fresh batteries in their smoke alarms this weekend when they set their clocks forward an hour.
"It's just an easy thing to remember," Matthews said. "Each time we change the clock, we recommend changing the battery."
Now in its 29th year, the Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries campaign is a partnership between the Energizer brand and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. It's seen as a simple reminder for what could be a life-saving task.
"The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries," according to energizer.com.
But installing new batteries twice a year isn't the only precaution people should take when it comes to their smoke alarms.
When putting in those batteries, Matthews said, take the device off the wall and look at the manufacturer's date. If it's 10 years old or older, it's time to get a new smoke alarm.
"After about 10 years, the sensors start to lose some of their sensitivity," Matthews said.
Fresh batteries won't do much good if the alarm itself doesn't work. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month to make sure they're functioning properly, Matthews said.
"When you're testing the alarms, do it with your whole family and make sure everybody … knows that sound," he said.
If someone is unable to change the smoke alarm batteries or smoke alarm, Matthews said the Parkersburg Fire Department will help them.
Smoke alarms can be provided to residents if they meet income-based qualifications, Matthews said. In both cases, residents can call 304-424-8470 for more information.
Another important preparation for people to make is to have a fire escape plan and a place for all family members to meet once they exit the home, Matthews said.
***
About Smoke Alarms…
* A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
* Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
* Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
* Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
* There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.
* When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
* Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.