Fire Department reminds to change clocks, batteries

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

As citizens “spring forward” and move their clocks up one hour this weekend in observance of daylight savings time, the Joplin Fire Department urges families to take steps to make their homes safer by also checking the batteries in their smoke alarms.

According to a 2015 report by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
In addition, NFPA noted:

• Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties with no or no working smoke alarms. In 2009-2013, smoke alarms, including those in fires too small to activate them, operating smoke alarms, and those that failed to operate, were present in almost three-quarters (73%) of reported home fires and sounded in more than half (53%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.

• Almost three out of five (60%) home fire deaths resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present at all.

• One of every five (21%) deaths was caused by fires in properties in which smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.

• Smoke alarms operated in fires that caused two out of five (40%) home fire deaths.

• One percent of the deaths resulted from fires that were too small to activate the smoke alarm.

Of the main reasons why smoke alarms failed to operate is due to missing batteries or dead/discharged batteries. The NFPA report is full of statistical data. The bottom line is working smoke alarms provide early warning saving lives, preventing injury and reducing property damage.

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed bi-annually and detectors replaced every 10 years. Smoke alarms are available with non- replaceable batteries and are designed with a 10 year life span. However, whether replaceable battery or long life battery they should be checked monthly.

“We just want to encourage all residents to be aware of the safety precautions they can take to protect their families and pets,” said Fire Chief Jim Furgerson. “Installing a new battery is a simple measure that could prove to be life-saving.”

For more information about fire protection and safety, visit the Association’s site by clicking on the link at the end of this article.