When “springing forward” your clocks Sunday for daylight-saving time, don’t forget to replace the batteries in those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well.
Forsyth County Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said it’s a good time to do so because a 9-volt battery lasts on average six months, which is about how often the time changes.
“We do encounter several fires a year where there were no smoke detectors present,” he said. “Fortunately, they rarely have proven to have any injuries or fatalities involved.”
Shivers said having a smoke detector in a home is important because the odor of smoke may not wake you up.
“When you are asleep, you cannot smell,” Shivers said. “You can hear though.”
The fire department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing detectors every eight to
10 years.
Fire Chief Danny Bowman said changing the batteries in a smoke or carbon monoxide detector is “a simple task that could potentially prove lifesaving.”
Department staff are eager to help those who may need smoke detectors.
Its public safety education division provides free smoke detectors to seniors and those in need. They will also come out and install the devices.
For more information, contact Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at (770) 781-2180.
E-mail Frank Reddy at frankreddy@forsythnews.com.
Forsyth County Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said it’s a good time to do so because a 9-volt battery lasts on average six months, which is about how often the time changes.
“We do encounter several fires a year where there were no smoke detectors present,” he said. “Fortunately, they rarely have proven to have any injuries or fatalities involved.”
Shivers said having a smoke detector in a home is important because the odor of smoke may not wake you up.
“When you are asleep, you cannot smell,” Shivers said. “You can hear though.”
The fire department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing detectors every eight to
10 years.
Fire Chief Danny Bowman said changing the batteries in a smoke or carbon monoxide detector is “a simple task that could potentially prove lifesaving.”
Department staff are eager to help those who may need smoke detectors.
Its public safety education division provides free smoke detectors to seniors and those in need. They will also come out and install the devices.
For more information, contact Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at (770) 781-2180.
E-mail Frank Reddy at frankreddy@forsythnews.com.