Don’t forget to change your clock and your smoke alarm batteries


June 11, 2008 · Updated 1:40 PM 

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Taking the few short minutes to change the batteries in your smoke alarms when setting your clocks forward tonight could end up saving your life.

“The majority of people who die in fires die from toxic smoke,” said Lindsy Ingram, public educator for Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue (CKFR). “Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective way to reduce tragic deaths and injuries from fires.”

CKFR offers these additional smoke alarm safety tips:

• Be sure there is at least one smoke alarm installed on every level of your home including one in every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.

• Change your smoke alarm batteries at least annually.

• Check your smoke alarms by pushing the safety test button to make sure the alarm is in proper working condition. Remember that a “chirping” alarm is a signal that it needs a fresh battery.

• Ensure your smoke alarms’ sensitivity by cleaning them each month of dust and cobwebs.

• Replace your smoke alarms

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