I wanted to take a minute to remind everyone to change the batteries in their smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms. In addition to testing them all once a month, we always change the batteries when we change the clocks each Spring. It’s an easy way to remember and although it may be overkill, we know that our alarms always have a good battery.

This year around 3,000 people will lose their lives in house fires and most occur when the victim is asleep. Having a functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death. Sure it’s annoying when you burn some toast and have to open a window and wave a rag to get that screeching to stop, but in the middle of the night, that sound can save your life. It will wake you up before smoke and toxic gasses have a chance to take your life.

Be sure to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your house, and one in every bedroom. Follow the installation instructions. I know you’re smart and know how to screw a screw into the ceiling, but every room has dead air zones that will prevent the smoke alarm from working properly. Read the instructions!

Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family. Be prepared! Don’t wait for a fire to figure out what you and your family will do. Make sure your kids wake up to the alarm by testing it at night and if they don’t take that into account when devising your plan.

Rayovac has a fire safety section on their website that goes over different types of alarms and how they draw power along with a resource guide to help you choose the best battery for you. Wanted to take a minute to remind everyone to change the batteries in their smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms. In addition to testing them all once a month, we always change the batteries when we change the clocks each Spring. It’s an easy way to remember and although it may be overkill, we know that our alarms always have a good battery. This year around 3,000 people will lose their lives in house fires and most occur when the victim is asleep. Having a functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death. Sure it’s annoying when you burn some toast and have to open a window and wave a rag to get that screeching to stop, but in the middle of the night, that sound can save your life. It will wake you up before smoke and toxic gasses have a chance to take your life. Be sure to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your house, and one in every bedroom. Follow the installation instructions. I know you’re smart and know how to screw a screw into the ceiling, but every room has dead air zones that will prevent the smoke alarm from working properly. Read the instructions! Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family. Be prepared! Don’t wait for a fire to figure out what you and your family will do. Make sure your kids wake up to the alarm by testing it at night and if they don’t take that into account when devising your plan. Rayovac has a fire safety section on their website that goes over different types of alarms and how they draw power along with a resource guide to help you choose the best battery for you. http://www.rayovac.com/Learning/Fire-Safety.aspx

Now go change those batteries!