Spring Forward: Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

As we Spring Ahead to Daylight Saving Time, the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company (HVFC) reminds residents to take an important safety step when adjusting their clocks.

“Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries.”

When you set your clocks forward, replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Ensuring these alarms are functioning properly provides early warning and can save lives in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Statistics

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
• Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• More than one-third (38%) of home fire deaths result from fires where no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

HVFC encourages residents to follow these important safety recommendations:
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area
• Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement
• Use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button
• Remember that a closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire

Working smoke alarms are a critical part of a home fire escape plan and help provide early warning in an emergency.

As you Spring Forward, take a few minutes to check your alarms and help keep your household safe.

Source: National Fire Protection Association