STATE FIRE MARSHAL BRIAN S. GERACI RECOMMENDS
“CHANGE YOUR CLOCK – CHANGE YOUR BATTERY”
Statewide (March 9, 2017) – In anticipation of daylight saving
time (DST) beginning in the early morning hours of March 12th, the State Fire
Marshal is urging Marylanders to “Change
Your Clock – Change Your Battery” in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO)
detectors in their homes. Recognizing
that working smoke alarms and CO detectors double a family’s chance of
surviving a home fire and/or unsafe carbon monoxide levels, the State Fire
Marshal says Daylight Savings Time is a great opportunity for families to
change the batteries. “Please
take the little time required to help ensure the safety of your family and
friends by maintaining these early warning life saving devices.”
A Maryland law became effective on July 1, 2013
involving “battery only” smoke
alarms used in residential properties.
When these “battery only” smoke alarms have reached their 10-year life
span, they need to be replaced with new
long-life sealed lithium battery smoke alarms with
silence/hush button features. The silence/hush button feature temporarily
disables the alarm so the occupant can ventilate the space from mild smoke
conditions typically created during some cooking operations. The use of these alarms eliminates the need
to replace the batteries during the 10 year life of the alarm.
The
new law also requires homeowners to ensure they have a smoke alarm installed on
each floor and outside sleeping areas, per National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) recommendations. It is
recommended to place them in each bedroom as well.
If your property is protected with 120
volt electric smoke alarms, they also should be replaced every 10 years with new
120 volt smoke alarms w/ battery back-up to ensure proper and timely operation
in the event of a fire.
Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, Home Escape Plans are another way
Marylanders can avoid injury or death in their homes. By identifying at least two different escape
routes, families can practice the plan together – before an emergency strikes. Practicing the plan helps educate younger
children to the danger of hazardous situations and the importance of
recognizing that the sound of a smoke alarm or CO detector signals a potential
hazard in the home. “Changing the battery in your
smoke alarms and CO detectors, along with developing and practicing a home
escape plan, are two of the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself
from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated Fire Marshal Geraci.
Also please remember to keep doors closed while sleeping in
case a fire occurs inside your home. A
closed door will afford more time to escape and/or be rescued by: blocking
smoke, toxic gases, heat and flames from entering your room. If making your escape from a burning
building, close doors as you leave, in order to stop additional oxygen from
entering and enhancing the growth of the fire.
Please observe the overhead electronic signs as you travel
throughout the state this weekend. The
Office of the State Fire Marshal and all Marylanders thank the Maryland
Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration for assisting
to spread the word about this life saving reminder.
The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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