Test and Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Locals will be able to gain an hour of sleep for Daylight Savings ends Sunday November 5, 2017 at 2:00 A.M. So when the clocks are set back by one hour, check and replace all smoke detector batteries.

Zanesville Fire Department is reminding everyone to replace all smoke detector batteries and check that the devices are still in working order.

“Nobody should ever be at home without a working smoke detector,” Zanesville Fire Fighter Steve Vincent said. “When you go to sleep your eyes close, you can’t smell anything when you’re sleeping. You will not wake up unless you hear something. Your ears are the only thing that will wake you up.”

Fire Departments always encourage their communities to check and replace smoke detectors and batteries when daylight savings begins and ends, for one important reason.

“A fire can double in size every two minutes,” Vincent said. “Your smoke detectors should go off within a minute or so of that fire actually starting and that would give you plenty of time to get out. So, I mean what’s your life worth?”

For those who need to replace a smoke detector and cannot afford one can go to the local fire stations and ask for one free smoke detector.

The smoke detectors are purchased through A.B.C. Wilson Fund.

“A.B.C. Wilson Fund, it’s a great community tradition and it’s helped numerous people out, hundreds of people out,” Vincent said. “Who otherwise would be unprotected at home.”

The A.B.C. Wilson Fund was started by the community of Zanesville after a house fire caused the deaths of Adam, Brian, and Craig Wilson. Businesses, organizations, families, and countless individuals have donated to the fund throughout the years so that smoke detectors may be purchased for those who cannot afford one.

For those who want to provide donations toward the A.B.C. Wilson Fund may contact Muskingum County Community Foundation by visiting their website or call the Zanesville Fire Department at (740) 455-0700.