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Editor's Note: The following was written by Edgewater Fire Services Capt. Jill Danigel, that agenvy's spokrswoman:
EDGEWATER -- Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 7, and marks the 23rd anniversary of the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" program, sponsored by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which reminds us to change and test the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This message is simple and the habit can be lifesaving.
Edgewater Fire Rescue reminds residents that one easy step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Everyone is encouraged to use the extra hour they “gain” from daylight saving time to change the batteries in their own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind family, friends, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.
Approximately every three hours, a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation and 66% of those occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms is worn or missing batteries.
Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that smoke alarms in homes should be replaced every ten years.
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” Edgewater Fire Chief Stephen Cousins says. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”
Chief Cousins also recommends residents use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to plan and practice escape routes.
Edgewater Fire-Rescue offers smoke alarms and batteries to residents in the community who cannot afford these life-saving devices. Department personnel are available to install detectors and change batteries for those who are unable to complete that task. Please contact the Fire Administration office at 386-424-2445 for more information.