You changed the time on your clocks last night, right? How about going one more step to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? The International Association of Fire Chiefs(IAFC) and Energizer® brand have partnered for 29 years to keep us safe with the Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries™ program.
Why is taking some time with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so important? The National Fire Protection Association reports that missing, disconnected, or dead batteries were the reason 71% of the smoke alarms failed. Each year these life-saving detectors need your attention.
Facts and Figures About Smoke Detectors
The National Fire Protection Association has some startling information about smoke detectors.
- In 2009-2013, smoke alarms sounded in more than half (53%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
- Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).
- No smoke alarms were present in almost two out of every five (38%) home fire deaths.
- The death rate per 100 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (1.18 deaths vs. 0.53 deaths per 100 fires).
- In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (46%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.
- Dead batteries caused one-quarter (24%) of the smoke alarm failures.
Tips from Energizer®
In addition to changing the batteries, the great tips below are from Engerzier’s Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries program.
Replace Your Smoke Alarms. The international Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that you replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Safety Test Detectors. After replacing the batteries, push the safety test button to make sure the alarms are working.
Count Your Smoke Alarms. You need at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home along with one in each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
Clean Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. The sensitivity of these detectors depends on being clear of dust and spider webs. A monthly cleaning will keep them clean.
Check and Change Batteries in Connected Home Devices. Devices connected to your smartphone or the Internet need to be checked, too. Batteries power the majority of smart thermostats, motions sensors, and HVAC controls in homes today.
Dean and Draper
Taking a few minutes to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly is a good use of your time. We hope this reminder will spur you on to taking care of this project.
If you have questions about your home insurance or are looking for some advice, please give us a call.
Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients. ContactUs.
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
©2016 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.