Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: March 11, 2022
The Westmont Fire Department reminds citizens that when you change your clock for daylight savings time this weekend, then it is also time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Other safety measures that can be taken when you check your smoke alarms are:
- Replace batteries in your Carbon Monoxide detectors
- Check and dispose of expired medications
- Vacuum out your dryer vents and ducts
- Check and replenish your emergency kit
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that three in five home fire deaths that occurred in homes, either did not have smoke alarms or the alarms did not work. Almost half of the non-working smoke alarms either had missing or disconnected batteries. Dead batteries caused nearly a quarter of smoke alarm failures.
Illinois law requires every household to have smoke alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and at least one alarm on each floor of the home.
The NFPA provides the following tips for installation and maintenance of smoke alarms:
- Install alarms close to each sleeping area of the house and on every level of the house. Ensure that the alarms are interconnected so when one sounds, they all do
- Change alarm batteries at least twice a year. Daylight Savings Time is a reminder to “Change your Clock, Change your Batteries”
- Test alarms at least once a month
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old
- Closed doors may slow the spread of smoke
- Smoke alarms should be a part of a larger home escape plan for emergencies. Visit the NFPA website for more information on home escape planning
Daylight Savings Time is Sunday, March 13. For more information on fire safety and prevention, please visit OSFM’s website.
The Westmont Fire Department offers smoke detectors for Wesmont residents of single family homes or townhomes who need them. For more information, please contact Neil Berkowitz at nberkowitz@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6442.
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