As the time change approaches on Sunday, March 9, the Danville Fire Department wants to remind residents to make another change that could save their lives --- changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year. Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation and 80 percent of those occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.
Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.
Additionally the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years.
To save lives and prevent needless injuries in Danville, the Danville Fire Department has joined forces with Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the 25th year of the "Change Your Clock Change Your Battery?" campaign. Choose an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” says Shelby Irving Fire Marshal. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need t get out safely.”
In addition, Irving recommends residents to take the time to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pushing the test button, planning “two ways out” and practicing escape routes with the entire family.
Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.
For additional information regarding fire safety, visit the Danville Fire Department on the City of Danville website: www.danville-va.gov or contact the Danville Fire Marshals’ offices: 799-5226
Shelby J. Irving
Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief
Danville Fire Department
