Remember, on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2:00 a.m. we move our clocks forward one hour to begin daylight saving time. The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department wants to remind you to also change the battery in your smoke alarm. It’s a proven fact: working smoke alarms saves lives.
It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. Change your Clock; Change your Battery.
“If batteries are missing or dead, the smoke alarm does not work, and you won’t get the early warning that will allow you to react in a safe and timely manner,” says Fire Educator Jeremy Webb. The smoke alarm should be tested at least once a month by pressing the “Test” button until the alarm activates. If smoke alarm ‘chirps,’ the battery should be changed immediately because that is the indicator the battery power is getting low.
The Fire Department also provides the following safety tips:
•Install smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms, hallways that lead to sleeping areas, basements, and each additional level of your house.
•Smoke alarms should be mounted either on the ceiling four inches from the wall or on the wall four to twelve inches from the ceiling.
•Do not install alarms near drafty areas like windows or air vents.
•The entire smoke alarm should be replaced every 10 years, or before if it is not working properly.
•Call the Fire Department if you are unsure about the best places to install an alarm.
•Prepare and practice an escape plan that gives you at least two ways out and a place to meet outside. Crawl low under smoke, and once you’re outside, stay there.
If you own a home and do not have a working smoke alarm, people can call 478-751-9180 Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Fire Department can go to your home and install one for free. This community service is a preventative measure to help protect people’s lives in case of a fire.
Macon-Bibb County Fire Safety Educator Jeremy Webb reminds everyone that when you change your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time, you should also remember to change the batteries in your family’s smoke detectors.