CPSC: Changing Batteries In Smoke Alarms Can Save Lives
Posted by
Chrissie ColeOctober 30, 2008 6:57 AMTags:
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As Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday (November 2nd) the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to not only change back your clocks, but to also replace your smoke alarm batteries.
New batteries in your smoke alarms can save your life, says the CPSC.
An estimated annual average of 378,700 fires, 2,740 deaths, 13,090 injuries and $5.6 billion in property losses associated with residential fires have been reported by fire departments in recent years.
“The fact is, smoke alarms save lives, “said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Working smoke alarms allow you valuable time to get out of your home when there’s a fire.”
The CPSC advises consumers to install smoke alarms on every level of their home, outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom.
CPSC staff recommends installing both ionization and photoelectric type smoke alarms. Ionization type smoke alarms typically detect flaming fires more quickly, while photoelectric type smoke alarms typically detect smoldering fires sooner.
The CPSC also advises consumers test their smoke alarms every month to make sure they are working properly – and warns to never disable a smoke alarm.