This Sunday: A time to spring forward and change smoke detector batteries

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — State Fire Marshal Michael P. Bell is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks ahead for daylight-saving time Sunday: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

In conjunction with the public education program “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries,” the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal and local fire departments across the state encourage Ohioans to make it a habit to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at least twice a year — at the beginning and end of daylight-saving time.

“The facts speak clearly — only a working smoke detector can save your life,” Bell said.

Bell said firefighters still find that smoke detectors, which typically retail for less than $10, are often not present in homes or are not functional. To date in 2009, 21 people have died in fires reported to the Division of State Fire Marshal. Smoke detectors were present and functioning in only three of those fires.

Smoke detectors, when properly installed and maintained, provide early warning when fire occurs. For the greatest protection, install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Also, develop an escape plan and make sure every family member knows what to do if the fire alarm does sound.

Test smoke detectors at least once each month to ensure that they are working properly. Vacuum the dust from inside the detector at least once every year. Batteries in battery-operated detectors should be changed twice a year or whenever a detector “chirps” to signal low battery power. Never “borrow” a smoke detector’s battery for another use.

Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s specifications.