For Immediate Release: March 6, 2015
AFD reminds residents to "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery"
Daylight saving time 2015 will begin on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m.
That means it's time to spring forward with fire safety. Two-thirds of home
fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoking alarm,
according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Having working smoke
alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Below are some useful fire
safety tips.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level
of your home, as well as inside of all sleeping areas.
- You should test your smoke alarms each month.
- You should lightly dust or vacuum your smoke
alarm after each test.
- The entire smoke alarm should be replaced every
8-10 years.
- Your family should plan and practice a home escape
plan during your smoke alarm testing routine.
- There should be a smoke alarm on every level of
your home.
- You should place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
- You should not install smoke alarms near fireplaces
or wood stoves or in the kitchen; they tend to false alarm more frequently in
those areas.
- Install smoke alarms at least three feet away
from any air return or air vent.
- If you have to install your smoke alarm on a
wall, it should be placed four to 12 inches below the ceiling.
For more additional information visit www.alexandriava.gov/fire
and follow us on twitter @AlexandriaVAFD.
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