Spring Forward 2012: Change Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm Battery

As daylight savings time begins Sunday, March 11, the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management reminds residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace batteries if needed and clean off any dust or debris.  
  
Smoke alarms have become such a common feature in U.S. homes that it is easy to take them for granted. All smoke alarms (hard-wired and/or battery powered) should be replaced every ten years.  
  
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., while most families are sleeping, and many people lose their sense of smell during a deep sleep stage,” said Chief of Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management W. Keith Brower, Jr. “The death rate per 100 reported fires is twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it is in home fires with this protection. Missing or non-working smoke alarms rob residents of valuable seconds that could allow them to safely escape. Young children, older adults, and people with disabilities are most at risk and working smoke alarms may provide these residents the necessary time to safely evacuate.” 
  
It is easy to forget that a smoke alarm’s sole function is to sound the warning. People need to develop and practice escape plans so that if the alarm sounds, they can get out quickly.

“It’s imperative that home escape plans include two exits from each room and a designated meeting place outside. Once you’re outside, stay outside and be sure to let firefighters know if everyone has made it out safely,” Brower said. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if fire should strike. Remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s “Put a finger on it” smoke alarm campaign offers free home safety inspections and smoke alarms to all Loudoun County residents.

If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated the department will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the department hotline 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms. Questions regarding fire safety or public education should be directed to Joy Dotson, Public Education Manager, at 703-771-5551.