Change more than your clocks this weekend for fire safety

1 hour ago

J.W. Dennison,

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – When Day Light Saving Time comes to an end this weekend, we recommend you change more than just your clocks.

While the clocks go back, the batteries need changed in your smoke detectors. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the risk of dying in a house fire is reduced by about 60% when there are working smoke alarms in the home.

The NFPA recommends you have smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area, with alarms on every level of the home. Zanesville Firefighter Ryan Saegert explains the importance of good smoke alarm practices and what to do while your changing those batteries out.

“The batteries tend to go dead. Like I said, they could be defective. Smoke detectors do save lives, with that being said, it’s good to check the manufacturers date on there,” Saegert said. “They do expire, some more than others. A couple years, some five years, so it’s good to check the date on there, make sure they’re in good working order. Change the batteries, if the date’s good, you can always test it and, like I say, if they test ok, you won’t need to replace it.”

Should you have a defective or expired smoke detectors, Muskingum County residents can visit any fire department in Muskingum County for a free one. According to Saegert, there’s one more device you should check while rolling back the clock and checking your smoke detectors.

“With the furnaces getting kicked on here with the colder weather and stuff coming up, it’s also good to check the CO detectors as well. They have a manufacturer date and recommendation when you should change them. Check them, check their batteries and check to see if they’re working properly as well,” Saegert said.

While the batteries are recommended to change during day light savings, it’s recommended that you perform monthly tests on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can learn more about fire safety and prevention by visiting the National Fire Protection Association’s website.