Change your Clock; Check your Smoke Alarms

As the time change approaches on November 4, Shoreline Fire encourages citizens to make another change that could save their lives – checking the batteries in their smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms save lives by giving people the early warning they need to get out safely,”  explained Melanie Granfors, Shoreline's information officer. “A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Shoreline Fire offers the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.

Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your family can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you. For more information on smoke alarms or creating your family escape plan, email.