Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services is asking that area residents do two things before going to sleep on Saturday night – remember to set their clocks up an hour because of daylight saving time, and to put fresh batteries in their home smoke alarms.
Daylight saving time officially begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. While folks “spring forward” with the time change, they can also increase their families’ chances of escaping a fire by more than 50 percent with a battery change in their smoke alarms.
PBFES suggests that a smoke alarm be installed inside each sleeping area and on each level of one’s home. However, installation is only the first step in protection from fires.
Smoke alarms need to be tested and properly maintained if they’re to serve as a family’s “nose at night.”
PBFES offers the following smoke alarm maintenance tips:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• TESTING – Test each alarm once a month to make sure it’s operating. Testing is the only way to ensure that it’s working to protect you. Push the test button and listen for the alarm. If you can’t reach the alarm, stand under it and push the test button with a broom handle.
• REPLACING BATTERIES – If your smoke alarms are battery-operated, replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do this at least twice a year (make it a habit to change the batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time), or when the alarm chirps to alert you that battery power is low.
Replace the batteries immediately if you move into a new home with smoke alarms already installed. Make sure that no one disables your smoke alarms by borrowing batteries for other uses.
• CLEANING – Just as your house requires cleaning, your smoke alarms need to be cleaned. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Cobwebs and dust usually can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment. If you’re going to be doing nearby work that could send dust into the air, cover the alarm with a shield. Also, shield the alarm if you’re painting around it, and never paint on it. Remove the shield promptly after work is completed.
For more fire safety tips and its free smoke alarm program, telephone PBFES at 870-730-2048.