For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newburyport Fire Department Encourages Residents to Test Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors During Daylight Saving Time Transition

NEWBURYPORT – As daylight saving time approaches this weekend, Chief Christopher LeClaire and the Newburyport Fire Department wish to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as they change their clocks.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m.

“We’re asking residents to take this time to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure they’re functioning properly,” Chief LeClaire said. “Smoke detectors need replacing every 10 years, and it’s important to test and replace batteries frequently as well. These devices save lives, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure they’re working properly.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Newburyport Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief LeClaire recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Newburyport Fire Department at 978-465-4427.

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