Changing clocks serves as reminder to change battery in smoke alarms

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention office
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As a sign that spring is finally here, and to adjust to daylight saving time, clocks change March 30, moving forward one hour. This serves as an ideal reminder to change the batteries in household smoke alarms.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 38 percent of home-fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. When there's a fire, smoke spreads very fast, and a working smoke alarm gives advanced warning and - even more important - the time to get out.

It's recommended that smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home, both inside and outside sleeping areas. So, as we get geared up and readied for a nice spring, now is the time to remember some of your home's safety features - smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, a home evacuation plan and a list of emergency numbers.

Here are a few key tips to help you enhance your spring clean-up fire safety plan:
  • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
  • If smoke alarms don't respond properly when tested, replace them immediately.
  • On-base residents should contact housing maintenance for a replacement.
  • Off-base residents should notify their landlords to have the smoke detector replaced immediately.
  • Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.
  • If the smoke alarm "chirps," it's warning you the battery is low and needs to be replaced right away.
  • Smoke alarms can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner without removing the smoke alarm's cover.
  • Review your family's fire escape plan.
  • Check and replace your fire extinguisher if necessary.
Remember, disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

For more information, call the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention office at DSN 238-2763.