Daylight Saving Time ended on Sunday, Nov. 3. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to also change their batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and other home safety items.
Households with 10-year battery-operated smoke alarms are urged to test them to ensure theyare still working properly.
Also, with cold weather on its way, some people may turn to alternative heating sources. The Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind those people to never use a propane heater indoors, to never plug a portable space heater into an extension cord and to invest incarbon monoxide alarms to better protect homes and families from the dangers of carbon monoxide.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The NFPA provides the following guidelines for smoke alarms:
-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
-Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
-Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
-Smoke alarms with nonreplaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If that type of alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
-For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.
In addition to changing batteries, now is a good time to make sure to create or update a fire safety plan. Every family should have a fire safety plan, ensuring that every family member is prepared if an emergency occurs.
Those without working smoke alarms can contact the WVSFMO at (304) 558-2191.