On November 3rd, Change your Clock, Change your Battery

Chester County residents are reminded to change the battery in smoke alarms

West Chester, PA -  Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 3, 2013 and Chester County residents are reminded when you change your clocks, change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

“This one simple step can help save lives,” said Harrison “Digger” Holt, Chester County Chief Fire Marshal, “Each year communities nationwide witness tragic fatal home fires.  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 most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. 

This marks the 26^th year that the International Association of Fire Chiefs, in association with Energizer, have sponsored the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery program.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11pm and 7am when most families are sleeping.  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.

Families are encouraged to use the extra hour “gained” from the end of daylight saving time to review their home fire safety plans; change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, practice your fire escape plan, check your supplies in your go kit or make a go kit for each member of your family and remind your family, friends and neighbors of these life saving habits.

“Sometimes saving a life can be that simple – Change Your Clock Change Your Battery,” added Fire Marshal Holt.

For more information on the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery visit www.chesco.org/des

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