TIME TO CHANGE SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES
The Fort Worth Fire Department reminds you to replace smoke alarm batteries at both the end and beginning of Daylight Saving Time to ensure units provide the best possible protection year round.
Smoke alarms save lives. But they protect you only if they are properly installed and maintained. With very few exceptions, most fire fatalities occur in homes without a working smoke alarm.
Where to install them. The Fort Worth Fire Department recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Even better is one in every bedroom. Follow the instructions included with the device to ensure proper placement.
Testing is important. When was the last time you heard the alarm sound on your smoke alarm? Battery-operated alarms should be tested monthly to make certain they are working.
Cleanliness counts. When you change batteries, do a little maintenance as well. Dust collects on smoke alarms and may keep units from operating properly. To clean them, use the soft-brush cleaning attachment that is part of most vacuum cleaners.
You might need a new alarm. It’s recommended that smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years. After 10 years, a smoke alarm has worked continuously for more than 87,000 hours. If you don’t know how old your smoke alarm is, replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
Source: City of Fort Worth