Reluctant as you may have been to change your clocks, I'm sure the task has been completed, but did you also remember to change your smoke detector batteries? Just as turning the clocks forward each Spring is not an option, changing the batteries in your smoke detectors shouldn't be either.
Smoke detectors save lives.By having working smoke detectors in your home, you reduce your chances of dying in a fire by half! Worth the 5 minutes of hassle to me.
Do you have smoke detectors in every bedroom?
You should. Smoke alarms should not only be installed on every level and outside of every sleeping area, but they should also be installed inside every sleeping area. Imagine a fire starting in your child's bedroom; it could take minutes before the smoke would set off a hallway alarm- especially if it's behind a closed door.
Change yearly, check frequently.
Make it habit to change your batteries when you change your clock and you'll be more likely to remember. Even if your alarms are hard-wired, batteries must be changed in the event of a power outage.
Check your expiration date.
Smoke alarms do not last forever! The maximum life span is 8 - 10 years. Do you know how old your detectors are? If they are older than 8 years, it's time to replace them.
As sleep deprived as you may be, spring into action and change your smoke alarm batteries today; it could save a life!
For more fire safety resources visit:
The Baby Proofing Blog- Spring Forward into Safety
Safe Kids USA Fire Prevention Tips
Fire Safety for All Families- Safe Kids USAs Video
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3 comments:
What great safety tips. I think I will be checking those smoke alarms when I get done writing this!
Thank you for pointing out how important it is to keep smoke detectors well-maintained. What a simple prevention measure, yet many of us don't take it seriously enough. I just wanted to add that it is also important to try to teach young children that lighters and matches are adult tools, and should be shown to or given to adults if they find them. We just had a fire in Roslindale apparently started by a child playing with a lighter. http://www.examiner.com/article/fire-roslindale-started-by-child-with-lighter
Right, a well-maintained smoke detectors save lives. Batteries should be change yearly and routinely test your smoke alarms to make sure that it works well as intended.
Most of deaths associated with fires in the U.S. are do you malfunction smoke alarms it is highly recommended to take a steps for proper maintenance.
Cheers,
Rogers
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