Change clocks, change batteries

Published 11:45 pm Friday, November 2, 2018

The times they are a-changin’ — literally. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, which means it’s time to adjust those clocks that don’t automatically update.

It’s also a good time to check smoke detectors. Changing batteries in smoke alarms when you change your clocks can save lives, maybe your own.

More than 360,000 house fires result in more than 2,000 deaths and 11,000 injuries each year. Proper installation, operation and maintenance of smoke alarms reduce the risk of property damage, injuries and death.

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In addition to smoke alarms, CO alarms should also be checked. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that can kill within minutes.

Below are fire safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

• Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms.

• Install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month to make sure they are working.

• Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

• A smoke alarm can’t save lives if everyone doesn’t know what to do when it sounds. Have two ways to get out of each room and set a pre-arranged meeting place outside.

• Children and the elderly can sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm and not hear it go off, so a caregiver needs to be prepared to help others get out of the house.

• And remember, once you are out of the house, stay out.