"Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" 

AFD reminds residents to "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery"

Daylight saving time 2015 will end on Sunday, November 1. That means it's time to turn your clocks back one hour to standard time at 2:00am. 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 every 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.