Delaware News

Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries

State Fire Marshal | Date Posted: Wednesday, March 6, 2024


Change your clocks, check your smoke alarms

As Delawareans change their clocks this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the Delaware State Fire Marshal would like to remind all residents to also check the batteries in their smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are working. Smoke detectors are required to be installed in every home because properly installed and maintained smoke detectors save lives!!

Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To maintain smoke detectors with 10-year lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to use a vacuum or compressed air to clean the chamber as needed. If the unit chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke detector. Smoke detectors with any other type of battery source (ex. 9-volt) require a new battery at least once a year. If the smoke detector chirps, warning that the battery is low, be sure to replace the battery immediately. Regardless of the battery source, ALL smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years.

Did you know in a home fire, you could have less than 2 minutes to escape once the smoke detector sounds? When testing your smoke detector this weekend, use this time as an opportunity to create and practice your family’s home escape plan. Draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows, with everyone in the home present. Locate two ways out of every room. Discuss your plan as a family and choose a safe meeting place outdoors in front of your home to meet in the event of a fire. Once the plan is in place, push the test button to sound the smoke detector, and start your family home fire drill. It is critical that all residents and guests are prepared to leave immediately in the event of fire!

For more information regarding smoke detectors and the smoke detector law, please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/

For more information on home fire escape plans, please visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-escape-plans/

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Change your clocks, check your batteries

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Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries

State Fire Marshal | Date Posted: Wednesday, March 6, 2024


Change your clocks, check your smoke alarms

As Delawareans change their clocks this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the Delaware State Fire Marshal would like to remind all residents to also check the batteries in their smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are working. Smoke detectors are required to be installed in every home because properly installed and maintained smoke detectors save lives!!

Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To maintain smoke detectors with 10-year lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to use a vacuum or compressed air to clean the chamber as needed. If the unit chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke detector. Smoke detectors with any other type of battery source (ex. 9-volt) require a new battery at least once a year. If the smoke detector chirps, warning that the battery is low, be sure to replace the battery immediately. Regardless of the battery source, ALL smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years.

Did you know in a home fire, you could have less than 2 minutes to escape once the smoke detector sounds? When testing your smoke detector this weekend, use this time as an opportunity to create and practice your family’s home escape plan. Draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows, with everyone in the home present. Locate two ways out of every room. Discuss your plan as a family and choose a safe meeting place outdoors in front of your home to meet in the event of a fire. Once the plan is in place, push the test button to sound the smoke detector, and start your family home fire drill. It is critical that all residents and guests are prepared to leave immediately in the event of fire!

For more information regarding smoke detectors and the smoke detector law, please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/

For more information on home fire escape plans, please visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-escape-plans/

Spring Forward One Hour

Change your clocks, check your batteries

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , , , , , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.