From: Glen.Strecker@f2.n390.z1.fidonet.org (Glen Strecker)
Newsgroups: misc.emerg-services
Subject: Change Battery Campaign
Date: 15 Aug 92 13:33:29 GMT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:390/2 - The Fire Scene, Slidell LA


     More than 3,000 fire departments nationwide will literally sound the 
alarm on smoke detector neglect this fall as part of the annual "Change 
Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign. 
     "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" is a national home fire 
safety program sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs 
and Energizer brand batteries. Now in its fifth year, the award-winning 
campaign urges Americans to take a simple, potentially life-saving action: 
changing the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their 
clock back from daylight-savings time each fall. 
     This year, the "Change" message will be communicated more dramatically 
than ever before through a national fire safety drill, "Operation Check 
and Change."  Technically, the "drill" is not a mass evacuation of Americans 
from their homes, but rather, a sounding of emergency sirens to remind 
residents to check and change their smoke detector batteries.  On the cues of 
participating fire departments, thousands of emergency sirens of all types 
will blare in unison at designated times in communities across the country. 
     In addition to underscoring the need for smoke detector maintenance, 
the drill also gives fire departments the opportunity to talk about other 
important fire safety measures, such as changing flashlight batteries 
and developing an escape plan. 
     The drill will take place on Saturday, October 24, the day before 
the annual time change. 
     "Many people are familiar with the sound a smoke detector makes 
when its batteries need replacement," said Chief Jim Halsey, president 
of the IAFC.  "Through 'Operation Check and Change,' we will create the 
sense that the nation's smoke detector is signaling the need for 
coast-to-coast maintenance. 
     "With the power of this dramatic event, we have an unprecedented 
opportunity to deliver critical fire safety messages to virtually every 
American home. And by dramatically increasing the number of home smoke 
detectors in working condition, we will prevent needless injuries and 
save hundreds - maybe thousands - of lives each year," Halsey added. 
     To make it possible for fire departments of all sizes and resources 
to participate in  "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery"' and the 
national fire drill, the IAFC and Energizer have developed an easy, 
three-step plan: 
  1. Alert local media. Contact local radio and TV stations, newspapers 
     and cable operators. Explain the "Change" campaign and ask for news 
     coverage, public service announcements and involvement by media 
     personalities. The media will help extend your reach, give credibility 
     to the lifesaving "Change" message and focus community attention on      
your campaign. 
  2. Sound the alarm on Saturday, October 24. At the designated 
     time, sound every "alarm" possible.  Consider fire engine and station 
     sirens, air raid warnings and other emergency services alarms. Ask      
local broadcast media to test the emergency broadcast system. 
  3. Conduct an event to dramatize the drill.  In conjunction with the 
     siren sounding, orchestrate a fire safety "event" and invite media to 
     cover it. "Events" can be simple or elaborate, depending on your 
     resources. 
Examples: 
 - Canvass neighborhoods of low income or elderly residents to change 
   smoke detector batteries. 
 - Do a fire safety audit of the home of a local official or celebrity, 
   which media would cover or broadcast live. 
 - Do a live radio broadcast/promotion from the fire station. 
 - Have a display or demonstration at a local retail outlet. 
 - Have a parade of emergency vehicles. 
     While local fire departments are organizing community efforts, the 
IAFC and Energizer are encouraging national media to spread the "Change"
message. Last year, the campaign was covered by prestigious news 
organizations such as the "Today" show, New York Times, Dear Abby, Family 
Circle magazine, USA Today and CNN. 
     Guidelines for organizing a drill in your community are provided in 
a free, "how-to" kit. The packet also includes sample news releases and 
letters to the editor, tips for media interviews, a timeline and resources 
for additional assistance. For your participation guide, contact Angee 
Linsey at (314) 982-0563, or write "Change Your Clock, Change Your 
Battery," c/o Energizer Batteries, P.O. Box 8797, St. Louis, MO 63102. 
 (From the June/July OPERATION LIFE SAFETY NEWSLETTER) 
 
 
... OFFLINE 1.39 * Smoke detectors save lives-Test your's today! 


 

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