ANDOVER – As daylight saving time comes to an end, Fire Chief Michael Mansfield and the members of Andover Fire Rescue would like to remind residents to check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when resetting their clocks this 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 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. Additionally, dead batteries are the cause of 25 percent of smoke alarm failures.
“Most modern smoke alarms are equipped with 10-year batteries, but they should still be tested every six months,” Chief Mansfield said. “The beginning and end of daylight saving time, the latter of which is coming this weekend, is the perfect reminder to test batteries and make sure they’re still working as they should.”
In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Mansfield 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.
Check 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 Andover Fire Rescue at 978-475-1281.
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