Time change a good time to check your smoke alarms, fire safety plan

SHENANDOAH – Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, and that means it’s time to test your smoke alarms as you turn your clocks back.

“When you change your clocks this weekend, take two more steps to protect your family: test your smoke alarms and practice your home fire escape plan,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “You may have as little as two minutes to get out safely during a home fire. Every second counts and being prepared can make all the difference to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

“Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire, giving families the precious seconds they need to escape safely,” said Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Making sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and testing them regularly is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to protect your loved ones should a fire occur.”

Time change is always a great time to check and evaluate your smoke alarms and fire safety plans, especially in November as you turn your heat back on for the Pennsylvania winter.

Some tips courtesy of the American Red Cross:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
  

In Shenandoah, if you need a smoke detector, contact borough hall or the Shenandoah Fire Department.

The post Time change a good time to check your smoke alarms, fire safety plan first appeared on The Shenandoah Sentinel.