HVFC is reminding everyone that as we change to Daylight Saving Time to test and change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Did you know?

* Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms

* More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

* The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

* A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

* Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

* It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.

* Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

* Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.

* A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove
.
* People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

* Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

* Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Plan your escape

Your ability to get out of your house during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

* Get everyone in your household together and make a home escape plan (PDF). Walk through your home and look for two ways out of every room.

* Make sure escape routes are clear of debris and doors and windows open easily. Windows with security bars or grills should have an emergency release device.

* Plan an outside meeting place where everyone will meet once they have escaped. A good meeting place is something permanent, like a tree, light pole, or mailbox a safe distance in front of the home.

* If there are infants, older adults, family members with mobility limitations or children who do not wake to the sound of the smoke alarm, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the event of an emergency.

* If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Respond quickly – get up and go, remember to know two ways out of every room, get yourself outside quickly, and go to your outside meeting place with your family.

For more information visit the link below.