Faribault Fire Chief Says Change Batteries and Turn Back Clocks

This weekend we turn the clocks back an hour.  Faribault Fire Chief Dustn Dienst says we need to take the opportunity to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors also.

Roughly 3 our of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms according to the National Fire Protection Association.  They also state that smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan.  When fire happens, smoke spreads fast.  Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

These alarms can save lives.

Dienst is a guest on the KDHL AM Minnesota program 9:30 a.m. Friday and wants to remind all of us about some smoke alarm safety in the home.

Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom.  They should also be outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.  Install alarms in the basement.

Dienst has said many times over the years the interconnected smoke alarms are the best because when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

You should test your smoke alarms at least once a month.  I have to admit since changing batteries when I fall back in the fall and spring forward in the spring I have not done a monthly check in my home.

A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.  Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.  They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Dienst also recommends you close your room doors which may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.