Cumberland County Urges Community to Check Smoke Alarms as Fall Time Change Hits
It’s that time of year again! Local government officials in Cumberland County are reminding residents that this weekend marks the end of Daylight-Saving time, which means clocks should be set to “fall back” one hour on Sunday, November 2 at 2 am.
But clocks aren’t the only thing you should change this weekend. Cumberland County Emergency Services suggests that this weekend is also the perfect time for you to switch out the battery in your household smoke alarms.
Here are some safety tips regarding your smoke alarm:
- Test your alarm every month by pressing the test button
- Replace batteries twice a year during time change weekends, or when you hear chirping sounds from the alarm signifying a low battery
- Replace smoke alarms completely after 10 years
You should also manufacturer’s instructions when replacing your smoke alarm battery. These instructions are specific to the kind of batteries your alarm uses, so it’s vital that you read them first. The list of appropriate batteries can also be found on the back of the smoke alarm itself.
It can be a tedious process, but switching out your smoke alarm batteries at the end of Daylight-Saving time can be a useful and potentially life-saving habit to get into. In a recent news release from the county website, Cumberland County Fire Marshal Kevin Lowther emphasized the importance of keeping your alarm batteries fresh.
“Taking a few moments to ensure your smoke alarms are functioning properly can save lives,” said Lowther. “As we ‘fall back’ this weekend, we encourage all residents to incorporate safety checks into their routine.”
Likewise, a report from the National Fire Protection Association has found that the risk of death from house fires is significantly lower in homes with working smoke detectors than in homes with none.
If you’re in need of smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in your home, you can actually receive them for free on the county’s website. Click here to receive your alarms as well as a free home risk assessment through the fire marshal’s office.