Get ready to “spring forward” this Sunday, March 12 for daylight saving time. Thomasville Fire Rescue also encourages you to use this time to check your smoke alarms throughout your home.
“The upcoming time change serves as the perfect reminder to test your smoke alarms and change their batteries,” said Thomasville Fire Rescue Chief Tim Connell. “One of the first steps to keeping yourself safe from home fires is to ensure your smoke alarms function properly.”
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. “Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms,” said Connell. “Not only is it important to check the batteries in your smoke alarms, you should check to see if any of your smoke alarms need to be replaced.”
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Check the back of your alarms to locate the manufacture date.
Other general maintenance tips for smoke alarms include:
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
- When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or review the manufacturer’s instructions. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Thomasville First Rescue also provides free home smoke alarm inspections and installations to city residents. For more information, visit Thomasville.org or call 229-227-4099.