It is time to turn your clocks forward one hour as Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. And that means it is also a great opportunity to test your smoke alarms.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to check your smoke alarms at least once a month, by pushing the test button on the alarm. USFA estimates that more than 2,500 people die in home fires each year in the United States largely due to non-functioning smoke alarms. A functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death.
USFA offers these life-saving tips to protect your family from a home fire:
· Install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
· Check the smoke alarm once a month.
· Install interconnected smoke alarms in your home, so when one alarms sounds they all sound.
· Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or older.
A fire extinguisher is an essential item to have in your home. Small ones cost less than $20 and they will last for years.
If you do have a fire in your home, keep in mind a fire is FAST, a fire is DARK, a fire is HOT, and a fire is DEADLY.
There is much useful and educational information about fire prevention and safety at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/.