Daylight Savings Time

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. When you turn your clocks ahead, take just two minutes to change smoke alarm batteries and push the test button to make sure they are working. This is also a good time to check carbon monoxide detectors. 

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working. This two-minute check could save your life and your loved ones lives. Remember:

• Smoke alarms should be checked monthly, their batteries replaced yearly and alarms replaced every 10 years.

• Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside of sleeping areas

• Each smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall, and away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. 

• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms that have strobe lights and bed shakers.

       

State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree says: “We have to get ahead of the issues and concerns pertaining to the tragic events occurring here; we can do this by a proactive installation and maintenance program of smoke alarms.  By the creation and implementation of risk reduction within every community, we can attack this problem head on!  Fire has such a devastating effect to families, communities, and to all involved; operational smoke alarms within every home is an answer to every citizen and first responder’s concern.”

If you or someone you know is need of a smoke alarm you can contact your local fire department or Contact the American Red Cross at 1-844-216-8286 to schedule your appointment to have free smoke alarms installed at no cost by Red Cross volunteers.  Safety information can be found on our recently redesigned website, http://www.firemarshal.wv.gov as well as Facebook and on Twitter.