Change Your Clock, Change Your Smoke Detector Battery

With the time change this Sunday, it reminds us to change and test the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This message is simple and the habit can be lifesaving.

The Parkersburg Fire Department reminds our residents that one easy step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Everyone is encouraged to change the batteries in their own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year, but, everyone can work together to help reduce the number of home fire fatalities. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program,” says Fire Chief Eric Taylor.

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, 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.

Additionally, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that smoke alarms in homes be replaced every 10 years and to have both ionization and photo electric smoke alarms to alert people to all types of home fires.

This year, the Parkersburg Fire Department, in cooperation with Lynn Fuller of Batteries Direct, will inspect and install batteries in Parkersburg residences.

“Mr. Fuller approached the fire department about creating a campaign for smoke detector battery replacement. Batteries Direct has graciously donated over 1,200 batteries that the fire department will install in smoke detectors,” said Fire Chief Eric Taylor.

Additionally, the fire department has a federal grant program to install free smoke detectors in homes for Parkersburg residents that meet certain income guidelines.

To have your detectors inspected or inquire about the smoke detector program, please contact the fire department shift supervisor at 304-424-8450.

For more information about fire safety, visit the Parkersburg Fire Department at: www.OnlyMinutesAway.com