Fire Department: Change your Batteries

“Change Your Clock  /  Change your

 Batteries as we “Power through It All”

 

As we turn our clocks forward to Daylight Saving Time (DST) this weekend, March 8, 2009 we are reminded to prepare an emergency power kit for our family and make sure it includes fresh batteries for flashlights and portable radios.  Also, change the batteries in every smoke detector and carbon monoxide device in your home. 

 

On behalf of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, we want to remind citizens of the importance of changing batteries in there smoke detectors, and understand that having a working smoke detector in your home clearly increases your chances of survival during a fire. The device may alert members of  your family while you are asleep, giving you the extra critical seconds for survival.  Follow these simple tips when handling and maintaining smoke detectors:

 

1   Install smoke detectors on all floors of your home or apartment

 

1   If hardwire or electrical current is used, be sure to have a backup battery operated smoke detector, should there be a power outage.

 

1   Mount alarms high on walls at least 4 to 12 inches from ceiling.  For angled ceilings or vaulted ceilings, place detectors at highest point

 

1   Never paint over a smoke detector and use a vacuum cleaner when cleaning detector of lint or dust buildup.

1   Have an escape plan in place and assure every member recognizes the sound of the smoke detector alarm and knows what to do when it is activated

 

1   Test your smoke detectors monthly for proper operations and replace batteries at least “Twice a year”. If the smoke detector “Chirps” frequently, this is an indication of a low battery, change it immediately!

 

For more information contact the Public Affairs Office at (323) 881-2411, or visit website www.fire.lacounty.gov for additional safety preparedness information.