As daylight-saving time approaches on Sunday, the West Jackson Fire Department is reminding residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
According to Chief Ben Stephens, the most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms is “worn or missing batteries.”
Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths, Stephens said. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.
Chief Stephens also recommends residents use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to review their household’s fire safety plan with the entire family, including the following:
•Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test your detectors monthly and completely replace detectors every 10 years. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.
•Practice your family’s escape plan. Know two ways out of each room at all times, especially the bedrooms. Multi-story homes should have a fire escape ladder for each upper-floor bedroom.
•Once out, stay out — never re-enter a burning building. Designate a meeting place for all family members, possibly at a neighbor’s house.
•Check the charge on all fire extinguishers. Recharge or replace if necessary. There are different types of fire extinguishers for use on different types of fires. Consider purchasing the multi-purpose dry chemical type that will work on most kinds of household fires. Extinguishers should be located along your escape routes and adjacent to specific risk areas such as the kitchen.
In case of any fire, dial 9-1-1 and evacuate everyone from the house immediately.