# Change your clock, change your battery

/ Published Nov. 2, 2018
Richmond, Va.,                 Statistics provided by a National Fire Protection Association fact sheet showing numbers of fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate for various reasons. (Courtesy Graphic)                            Change your clock, change your battery                            Statistics provided by a National Fire Protection Association fact sheet showing numbers of fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate for various reasons. (Courtesy Graphic)            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Courtesy GraphicVIRIN: 181031-D-DO441-0003
As we enter the fall season, Daylight Saving Time will end at 2 a.m. this Sunday, Nov. 4.

According to a National Fire Protection Association****fact sheet for smoke alarms in U. S. home fires, fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate: 
      -  almost half (46 percent) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries,  
      -  nuisance alarms were the leading reason for disconnected smoke alarms,  
      -  dead batteries caused one-quarter (24 percent) of the smoke alarm failures, and  
      -  only seven percent of the failures were due to hardwired power source problems, including disconnected smoke alarms.   

Here are a few things to remember when it comes to smoke alarms and fire safety:                                  
      -  It is indisputable that smoke alarms save lives. They are the best and least expensive way to provide an early warning system. 
      -  Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
      -  Combination smoke alarms that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive protection. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsive to a smoldering fire. 
      -  For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected, so they all sound if any one of them goes off. New construction requires hard wired smoke alarms with battery backups. 
      -  Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances, and be sure not the remove the batteries if it goes off while cooking, simply press the hush or silence button. 
      -  Never paint over a smoke alarm. It will affect the operation of the smoke alarm, possibly disabling it.  
      -  Test your alarms once a month by pressing the test button. 
      -  Replace entire units every 10 years at a minimum, but research the manufacturer’s recommendations as some models recommend replacement every 5-7 years. 
      -  Clean your smoke alarm once a month with a dry rag when you test it. 
      -   If your detector “chirps” it may be time to change the battery. 

Home safety and security has evolved beyond smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many families rely on other home devices connected to the internet or their smartphones, also known as the “Internet of Things,” to enhance safety and security.

While the average smoke alarm costs around $10 to $20, there are always other options available, including alarms that detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke, voice alert and decorative smoke alarms.  There are also new high-tech alarms that will notify you when they are activated or when the battery is low.

Every family should have a fire safety plan if you have a fire or smoke alarm activation to ensure each family member is prepared. It’s never too late to create your plan! You can also spread the word through social media reminding friends and family members to “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery.”