It’s time to spring forward! Sunday, March 8, marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, when people across the U.S. move their clocks ahead an hour. It’s also a good time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths in the U.S. are in properties without working smoke alarms. In nearly a quarter of home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound, and in half of those occasions, the smoke alarm had a missing or disconnected battery.
“A properly installed smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” says Fire Chief Daryl Osby of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. “It’s also the most effective way to reduce tragic injuries and death.”
Carbon monoxide detectors are required in residences, per California state law. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include severe headache, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and fainting.
Many companies now make 2-in-1 combination smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
In addition to testing alarms and detectors this weekend, the Department recommends that residents also dust or vacuum around their alarms and detectors. Alarms that don’t work or are older than 10 years should be replaced.
Residents are also welcome to call or visit their local fire station if they want help or advice.
Photo by Doug Morrison.
The post Change Your Clocks, Check Your Smoke Alarms This Weekend appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.