Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8 at 2 a.m.
PLYMOUTH — Chief G. Edward Bradley and the Plymouth Fire Department would like to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks ahead for daylight saving time.
Daylight saving begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.
“Testing and changing batteries in smoke detectors is a simple, and life-saving habit that can help prevent fires from happening,” said Chief Bradley. “It is vital that both residents and business owners are sure that these devices are working properly in order to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors give you the one thing you don’t have when your home or business is on fire – time; time to safely evacuate the building.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50% and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
The Plymouth 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 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 Bradley 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 Plymouth Fire Department at 508-830-4213.
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