Its daylights savings this weekend, more precisely at 2 AM Sunday, November 3rd, our clocks go back to 1 AM instantaneously. However, you have much more responsibilities than just setting your clock back an hour before you go to bed Saturday night, you also need to protect yourself and your family by checking the batteries in your smoke detector.
It has long been established that associating checking your smoke detector batteries every time you move your clock forward or backward is a good way to make sure you are safe and up to date. Raccoon Valley Radio spoke with Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds who says that an easy and quick fix to your home can end up being one of the most important things you do this fall.
“Well the most commonly cited cause of a non-working smoke alarm is worn out or missing batteries,” says Hinds, “so changing the smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce tragic death and injuries.”
Hinds says that a working smoke alarm nearly cuts in half your risk of dying in a home fire. The Perry Volunteer Fire Department strongly recommends you change your batteries this weekend as part of the 25th year of the “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Battery” campaign in the United States.
“It’s a goal here with the Perry Fire Department to save lives and prevent needless injury,” Hinds requests, “by urging all the residents to adopt a simple life-saving habit such as changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and keep them working.”
It is also recommended that you take that extra hour you gain this weekend and spend it on working on your escape plans. Good escape plans include two ways out as well as practicing using those escape routes with the entire family at least twice a year. If you would like additional information on smoke detectors or how to make a home escape plan, contact the Perry Volunteer Fire Department at (515) 465-4285.