PALM COAST, Fla. – Daylight Saving Time ends on November 5 at 2 a.m., when we fall back one hour for the purpose of making better use of daylight. As we set our clocks back, the Palm Coast Fire Department recommends changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with non-functioning or no smoke alarms. When smoke alarms should have worked but failed to operate, it is usually because batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead.
The National Fire Protection Association provides the following guidelines around smoke alarms:
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the ‘Test’ button.
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.
- Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
· Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
· For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.
Residents needing assistance in changing their batteries are encouraged to sign up for the Fire Department Home Safety Inspection. The Home Safety Inspection is a free courtesy home inspection that helps residents develop home escape plans, checking and/or installing batteries in smoke detectors, identifying trip and fall hazards, and suggestions on securing items and areas that may be hazardous for children.
Inspections do not release the resident from the overall responsibility of home inspections. Inspections are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. You can sign up by submitting a case on Palm Coast Connect or by following this link:Â https://sforce.co/3oZoMmS.
