Change Your Clocks Change Your Batteries

            Daylight savings time has begun.  Since the time changed on March 11, 2012, there is a responsibility to change your batteries in your smoke detectors.  It is a good practice to change them twice a year with each of the time changes.  It is also a good time to make sure you have the proper amounts of smoke detectors and that they are in the proper locations in your home. 

            Some locations that smoke detectors are needed are in the basement, one in every bedroom, hallways or means of egress, and also at least one on every level.  Keep in mind that smoke rises and they should be positioned on the ceiling or high up on the wall.  Keep them away from the corners of the ceilings and walls since smoke sometimes doesn’t enter those areas until the room is completely full of smoke.  It is best to have one in each bedroom to alert you and also one just outside the bedrooms for earlier detection.  Also by having one on each floor, it may help in earlier notification of a problem that started in another location of the house.  The big thing is to make sure that they are working properly.  Batteries last a lot longer than the times between changing your clocks, but you want to be sure they are working so make sure the batteries are changed.  Also, check your detectors regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.  For people that have gas appliances or furnaces, it is a good idea to also have a CO detector in your home.  These also have battery back ups in them for if the electric goes out, so make sure these batteries are changed also.  Make sure you have no issues with your batteries and smoke detectors.  Those little items can save your life one day. Written by: Lieutenant/Medic Justin Brinkman