[1]For more information about smoke alarm safety, check the National Fire Protection Organization [2]
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Napavine area Fire Lt. Laura Hanson wants everyone to be reminded this week is change your clock, change your battery.
Daylight saving time begins tomorrow, so setting your clocks forward by one hour before you go to bed will put you on the right schedule.
Replacing the batteries in your smoke alarm at the same time can put you and your family in the company of those whose lives have been saved by being timely alerted to a house fire.
It’s a simple preventative step that can prevent a tragedy.
Chehalis Fire Investigator Derrick Paul says that in his 20-year career, he has never come across a fire fatality when there was a working smoke detector.
“Warnings from smoke alarms can provide those critical extra seconds people need to get out of their homes safely,” State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy stated in a press release.
The state fire marshal’s office recommends making a habit of inspecting smoke alarms when we change our clocks.
“Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries so maintaining your alarms is a simple, effective way to protect you and your family,” Duffy stated.
Lt. Hanson urges anyone with questions to contact their local fire agency.
Duffy’s advice:
• Follow the manufacturers instructions when changing batteries.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly.
• Replace any smoke alarms that are 10 years or older.