Residents of the Haddams-Killingworth Reminded to “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery”

CROMWELL, CT – It’s almost time to “spring ahead” and gain an hour of light in the evening, and The Everyday Hero CT volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign reminds residents that Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12.

When setting clocks ahead one hour before going to bed that Saturday, officials encourage residents to also change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector batteries, according to a release.

“It’s a habit that’s both simple and life-saving,” Program Manager Fred Dudek said in a release. “Yet, so many people ignore their smoke and CO detectors. We urge everyone to not only change their batteries when they change their clocks but also set a reminder to test their alarms once every month.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms. Working alarms that simply fail to operate are usually because the batteries were missing, disconnected or dead.

The Everyday Hero CT program shared the following NFPA guidelines:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Smoke alarms with nonreplaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Those who have questions about their smoke and CO detectors should contact their local fire department using the non-emergency phone number for assistance.

Image via Shutterstock.