Fall Back—and Change Batteries Too

It's that time of year again when we fall back and enjoy an extra hour of shut-eye. As long as you're changing the clock, take a look at the smoke alarm too.

Every year, smoke alarms save hundreds of lives. Whether you're awake or asleep, the smoke alarm is constantly working and scanning the air for smoke and fire, provided it has good batteries in it.

Sadly, that's not always the case. The National Fire Protection Association reported that between 2003 and 2006, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes that did not have a working smoke alarm.

That's why the Newport Beach Fire Department urges residents to change the batteries in smoke alarms during daylight saving time. Jennifer Schulz of the NBFD said maintaining smoke alarms is a lifesaving habit that all residents should acquire.

"Once the batteries have been replaced, be sure to test the alarms," Schulz said. "This simple act will help protect you and your family in the event of a fire." 

 Most residential structure fires occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., therefore, early detection of these fires is usually the key to survival. It has also been proven that the sounds of the smoke alarms give people time to escape, thereby cutting the risk of dying in a home fire in half, Schulz explained.

Some Quick Tips:

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your house, as well as inside and outside of bedrooms.

Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when the batteries are changed.

Test the smoke alarms once a month. 

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed at least twice a year.

Don't borrow batteries from one smoke alarm to put them in another one.

Smoke alarms don't last forever. If yours are more than 10 years old, it's time to replace them.

For more fire safety tips, visit nbfd.net or call 949-644-3104.