Press release:

As the Spring time change approaches, the Humboldt County Fire Prevention Officer’s Association wants to remind residents to make another change, one that could save their lives—changing the batteries in their smoke alarms.

This year the day to set your clocks forward and change batteries in your smoke alarm is Sunday, March 11.

Nationwide in 2010 over 62% of civilian fire deaths occurred in residences without working smoke alarms.

The most common reasons home smoke alarms do not function properly are:

-Missing or disconnected battery.
-Dead Battery
-Batteries are removed due to a “chirping sound,” which actually indicates the battery needs to be replaced!
-Alarms are not cleaned regularly.
-Alarm is aged and possibly contains outdated parts or technology. Replace alarm every ten years.
-Improper installation or placement.

Each of these reasons is easily remedied by either simply replacing the battery or the device.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Many people mistakenly believe they will either see the flames or smell the smoke when a fire breaks out. But most fire fatalities happen while families are asleep. Smoke by itself doesn’t provide a wake-up call, but a working smoke alarm surely does.

Take time for home fire safety; change your smoke alarm batteries. This is also a great time to review your family’s home fire escape plan; know two ways out of each room and designate a family meeting place.