Last Updated on October 31, 2015 by cassnetwork
Turning back the clock at the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 1, is an appropriate time to remind Hoosiers to prepare for emergencies and disasters, and to change the batteries in smoke alarms.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is advising all Indiana residents to have at least one working smoke detector in their residence. Ideally, smoke alarms should be located outside of each sleeping area. There should also be at least one on every floor. Smoke alarms are relatively inexpensive and many fire stations and organizations maintain programs that offer free smoke alarms, especially to low-income families and individuals, seniors and those who are at risk for various reasons.
“When the clock falls back an hour, I recommend that Hoosiers ‘fall back’ on practicing smoke alarm safety,” said Greeson. “Working smoke alarms are proven life savers, providing the valuable seconds needed to escape a dangerous fire.”
Here are more smoke alarm tips to consider:
- Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they are working properly.
- Purchase long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries. These types of detectors may not require a battery change for the life of the unit. Regular batteries should be changed at least once a year, preferably twice.
- Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
- Remove any dust from the front of the smoke alarm;
- Devise a family escape plan and practice it at least every six months. Plans should include at least two different ways each family member could escape various parts of the home. Designate a special place outside of the home where family members are to meet after escaping a fire.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, when clocks are supposed to “fall back” one hour.
For more on preparedness and fire safety visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov, follow state homeland security on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IndianaDHS, or @IDHS on Twitter.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana Department of Homeland Security