Change clock ñ change batteries

There is a good reason why firefighters take a keen interest in Daylight Savings Timeís beginning and end. Since clocks must be changed twice a year, as well as batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; why not make the changes simultaneously?This year, the fall time change happens Nov. 4. The Falcon Fire Protection District encourages residents to join in the ìChange Your Clock ñ Change Your Batteriesî campaign to make their homes safer.

• For battery-operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replace all batteries with new, fresh batteries.
• Test the devices to ensure they are working properly. Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
• Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors once a month.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire and allow occupants time to escape; thus, reducing the risk of injury or death in a residential fire. From 2005 to 2009, National Fire Protection Association statistics indicated that almost two-thirds of home fire-related deaths occurred in properties without working smoke alarms. Missing, disconnected or dead batteries were the most common reason for smoke alarm failure.FFPD residents who need assistance with changing the batteries in their home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can call 495-4050. A crew will come out free of charge, change the batteries and provide home fire safety tips.