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Change Your Clocks- Change Your Batteries
(Brevard County, FL)- It’s that time of year again! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Brevard County Fire Rescue would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to change the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the same time you set your clocks ahead one hour.
In addition to changing the batteries, take a few moments to ensure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your residence are fully functional and free from dust. Follow manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance practices for your specific detectors. Simple maintenance usually involves a thorough vacuuming of the detector.
Don’t forget to also check the dates of manufacture on each smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Most manufacturers recommend that smoke alarms should be changed every ten years and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed every five years. If you have combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, these units should be changed every five years. Sensing elements in these units have a life span, and tend to become less responsive as they become older.
For more information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector installation, use, and maintenance, please refer to the United States Fire Administration website at www.usfa.fema.gov, the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org, or contact Brevard County Fire Rescue at 321-633-2056. |
