The Columbus Fire Department is reminding you to change your smoke alarm batteries as you set your clocks for the end of daylight savings time this Sunday. Daylight savings time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday when clocks will be changed from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.
“Smoke alarms are an inexpensive tool for early fire detection that every home should have,” says Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton. “You double your chance of self-rescuing from a residential fire when you have a working smoke alarms in the home.”
The Columbus Fire Department recommends that all residents inspect their smoke alarms this weekend and ensure that they are in working order. Officials add that smoke alarms that are older than 10 years should be replaced. This is also the ideal time of year to replace the batteries in all smoke alarms.
In addition to protecting your family through the use of smoke alarms, the Columbus Fire Department recommends reviewing your home fire escape plan with family members. If you need assistance in creating a home fire escape plan, or need assistance with smoke alarms, you should contact the Columbus Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at (812) 376-2584.
Fire officials share the following information on home fire escape planning and smoke alarms:
Home Fire Escape Planning-
• Smoke alarms sound for a reason. When you hear the beep – think fire.
• Know two ways out of every room in the home.
• Get low and go – Crawl below toxic smoke and find an exit.
• Once outside, stay outside and call 911.
• Determine a safe meeting place outside the home where all family members will meet.
Smoke Alarms Safety Tips-
• If smoke alarms are 10 years old, replace with a new smoke alarm. This includes hardwired alarms with battery back-up systems.
• Test smoke alarms every month to ensure they are in working order.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarms should be installed in all sleeping rooms.
• Bedroom doors should remain shut when sleeping.
More information on fire safety can be found on the Columbus Fire Department website at http://www.columbus.in.gov/fire/.