Ok now, I added an hour last night before going to bed for the arrival of Day Light Savings Time here in up-state New York. Is changing the clock worth all the fuss? Good question for discussion and in the following YouTube video explains what adding that hour all means...
We're only saving $4.00 a year per household by doing the Day Light Saving Time Thing! Wow! Well...the thing is though...I do know checking and test smoke detectors and CO2 alarms and changing their batteries with new/fresh ones is worth it because these early warning systems could and have saved lives!
Now is the time to check your skoke alarms and CO2 detectors. It is encouraged to make sure your smoke detectors and CO2 alarms are operating properly by changing the batteries at least once a year. Like now, change those batteries with new one! The best way to make sure the device is working is to push the “test” button until the alarm sounds. Test monthly throughout the year.
Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. In addition, families should prepare an emergency escape plan to allow all members to practice what they should do and where they should meet outside the home in the event of a fire.
Here are a few more YouTube videos explaining where to install smoke alarms/detectors, as well as how to perform a monthly smoke detector test...
Here are some easy fire safety tips to remember and use throughout the year:
Safety tips provided by FASNY & National Fire Protection Association:
• Test smoke alarms/detectors at least once a month by using detectors’ "test button.”
• Clean the units by vacuuming or dusting in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Install new batteries in all smoke alarms/CO detectors at least once a year on the day you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
• Install a smoke alarm and CO detector near sleeping areas, as well on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Do not paint smoke alarm/CO detectors.
• Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.
• Smoke alarms/CO detectors should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
• Notify your local fire department when your detector sounds. However, before calling, make sure to identify whether or not the device is simply sounding due to a low battery.
• Read the detector’s packaging and instructions to understand the difference between a true emergency and a simple maintenance issue of a dead battery or an expired detector, as the detector may emit different sounds for each situation.
• If it is a real activation, call 911 and evacuate immediately.
• To avoid potential CO exposure, do not warm a vehicle in an enclosed garage space. During and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents connected to stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces leading outside are clear.
• Test smoke alarms/detectors at least once a month by using detectors’ "test button.”
• Clean the units by vacuuming or dusting in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Install new batteries in all smoke alarms/CO detectors at least once a year on the day you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
• Install a smoke alarm and CO detector near sleeping areas, as well on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Do not paint smoke alarm/CO detectors.
• Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.
• Smoke alarms/CO detectors should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
• Notify your local fire department when your detector sounds. However, before calling, make sure to identify whether or not the device is simply sounding due to a low battery.
• Read the detector’s packaging and instructions to understand the difference between a true emergency and a simple maintenance issue of a dead battery or an expired detector, as the detector may emit different sounds for each situation.
• If it is a real activation, call 911 and evacuate immediately.
• To avoid potential CO exposure, do not warm a vehicle in an enclosed garage space. During and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents connected to stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces leading outside are clear.
A Sound You Can Live With: Test Your Smoke Detector!
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
