Time change brings reminder to check smoke alarm batteries

On Saturday night, March 10, most area residents will be turning their clocks forward in preparatin for Daylight Saving Time, which starts Sunday at 2 a.m.

When residents change their clocks, Cal Fire reminds them to replace the batteries in all smoke alarms. Firefighters also encourage them to replace the batteries in the carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

This minimal effort could mean the difference between life and death, says a statement from Cal Fire, which added that several fatalities have occurred in California this year that might have been prevented with working smoke alarms.

“A smoke alarm is one of the cheapest and most effective ways homeowners can provide year round fire protection for themselves and their families,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire.

“Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms unquestionably help save lives, but they are nothing without working batteries inside of them,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, California’s state fire marshal. “Just a few minutes twice a year to change that battery can truly mean the difference between life and death.”

For more information, visit www.fire.ca.gov.