Mary Alice Reporting –
Ahead of moving the clocks forward one hour this weekend, the Ohio State Fire Marshal notes it’s a good time to change alarm batteries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms that function correctly can reduce the risk of fatalities by nearly 50% in home fires.
The official date to spring forward is Sunday at 2am and on fire safety, there should be a three-step approach says State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon.
“Smoke detectors have to be maintained and that means batteries, that means making sure that you keep dust out of them so that they work properly, and you do eventually replace them.”
Practicing home escape drills should also be conducted for all members of the family, keeping in mind, says Fire Prevention Bureau Assistant Chief Dale Schulte, to include two ways out of every room in the home.
“Go to our safe meeting place and getting in the habit of practicing that a couple of times a year so we’re proficient in that, and in the event we have an emergency, we’re prepared.”
Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and in the common areas on each floor of a home, mounted at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling and away from windows, doors and ducts.
Anyone with questions about installation can contact their local fire department.
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