posted on: 3/6/2020

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. It's a good time to change and test the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Dover Fire and Rescue reminds residents that one simple step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Everyone is encouraged to use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms," said Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas. "It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by ensuring you have an appropriate number of smoke detectors where you live and adopting the simple habit of changing your batteries when you change your clocks. If you have hardwired detectors, replacing the batteries at these intervals helps to ensure they can withstand the duration of a potential power outage at any time during the year.”

Daylight Saving Time a reminder for fire safety and prevention

posted on: 3/6/2020

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. It's a good time to change and test the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Dover Fire and Rescue reminds residents that one simple step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Everyone is encouraged to use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms," said Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas. "It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by ensuring you have an appropriate number of smoke detectors where you live and adopting the simple habit of changing your batteries when you change your clocks. If you have hardwired detectors, replacing the batteries at these intervals helps to ensure they can withstand the duration of a potential power outage at any time during the year.”

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 71 percent of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.

“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most families are sleeping,” Haas said. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. 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.”

A working smoke detector doubles your chance of surviving a home fire.

For more information about fire safety, call Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148.