MEDIA RELEASE: A Reminder to West Virginians: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 12, and it’s a good time for people to check and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process is quick and easy and it could save a life!

People may not realize that smoke alarms have to be maintained.  Having a dead or missing battery in a smoke alarm is the same as not having one at all.

A smoke alarm will only work efficiently if it is properly installed and maintained. Smoke alarms can have different types of power sources. While some are hard-wired, others rely on different types of batteries.  It is important to maintain smoke alarms by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

West Virginia State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree says, “A working smoke alarm in your home is crucial to keeping loved ones safe. Fires are fast moving and deadly. A properly installed smoke alarm will give you warning, as you may have just two minutes to get out. I encourage you to get smoke alarms through the Red Cross.”

The National Fire Protection Association provides the following tips:
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.
• Install alarms on every level of the home; 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, and it is best to use of both types in the home. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Anyone who needs a smoke alarm installed in their home for free should contact the American Red Cross at 1-844-216-8286. For more smoke alarm safety tips head to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal website at www.firemarshal.wv.gov or follow us on Facebook at WV State Fire Marshal and on twitter, @wvstatefiremarshal.

 

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