By admin Published October 26, 2015

One simple step can help save your life and the lives of others.

Changing smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries when the time changes, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. 

Carbondale Fire Chief Ron Leach recommends that smoke detectors in homes be replaced every 10 years and have both ionization and photo electric capabilities to alert people to all types of home fires. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every five to seven years.  Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested once a month to make sure they are working properly.

A smoke detector should be installed on every level of a home and inside each sleeping area. A carbon monoxide alarm should also be installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Families should also develop an escape plan with two ways out and make sure everyone knows what to do and where to meet outside if the fire or carbon monoxide alarm sounds.

“Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms can save lives, but only if they work,” said Carbondale Fire Chief Ron Leach. “Make it a tradition, that when you change your clocks you also change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries. Working alarms can help your family gain valuable time to escape from a fire or carbon monoxide incident.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. 96% of American homes have at least one smoke alarm but it is important to make sure they work.