MARIPOSA – On Saturday night, Mar. 9, Californians will be turning their clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time. And when they do, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) is reminding them to replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
This minimal effort could mean the difference between life and death.CAL FIRE has long advocated the ‘Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery’ campaign. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are one of the cheapest and most effective ways homeowners can provide year round fire and life safety protection for themselves and their families.
Every year lives are lost in homes without smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms and those homes with non-functioning alarms. In a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 96% of households report having at least one smoke alarm. Yet the US Fire Administration reports residential fires make up nearly 83% of all civilian fire deaths. Residents disconnect the alarms or do not replace the old batteries.
This year save a life. Change your clocks; change your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
Fire officials also remind residents that smoke alarms should be replaced at least every ten years and when residents buy a new one, purchase an alarm with a 10-year battery life. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms help save lives, but they are nothing without working batteries! Don’t become another statistic.
For more information, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.
