WAKEFIELD — As daylight saving time comes to an end, Chief Michael Sullivan and the Wakefield Fire Department would like to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when resetting their clocks next weekend.
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m., and clocks will move back one hour at that time.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke detectors 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 detectors or no working smoke detectors. Additionally, dead batteries are the cause of 25 percent of smoke detector failures.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries should be changed twice a year and switching them at the beginning and end of daylight savings time is a helpful way to remember to do it,” Chief Sullivan said. “This is a quick and easy task that can help to keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a fire.”
In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Sullivan recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month using the test button. Replace detectors immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
- Replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors when you change your clocks. Residents should note that they do not have to change the batteries in detectors equipped with 10 year batteries until 10 years has passed.
- Replace all smoke detectors when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- CO detectors 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 detectors throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
- If the CO detector 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.
The battery replacement process is fairly simple and batteries can be purchased for most units at a local hardware, grocery or convenience store.
For more information on smoke detector and CO detector safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Wakefield Fire Department at 781-246-6435.
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